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Research & Scholarship

Current Research and Scholarly Interests

My work emphasizes both patient care and translational research. I focus on both the hematologic malignancies as well as conditions such as anemia and blood clotting disorders. Our program offers novel treatments for many of these conditions in the context of clinical trials. We also have comprehensive laboratory services offering the most up-to-date testing for both the diagnosis and management of complex hematologic problems. Recent clinical protocols involved the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, prolymphocytic leukemia, hypereosinophilic syndrome, systemic mastocytosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Clinical Trials

A Long-term Extension Study of PCI-32765 (Ibrutinib)Recruiting

The purpose of this study is to collect long-term safety and efficacy data for participants
treated with PCI-32765 (Ibrutinib) and to provide ongoing access to PCI-32765 for
participants who are currently enrolled in PCI-32765 studies that have been completed
according to the parent protocol, are actively receiving treatment with PCI-32765, and who
continue to benefit from PCI-32765 treatment.

Extended Treatment Protocol for Subjects Continuing to Benefit From Ibrutinib.Recruiting

Multicenter, open-label, prospective treatment protocol that provides continued access to
ibrutinib to subjects who have completed parent ibrutinib studies, are still benefitting from
treatment with ibrutinib, and have no access to commercial ibrutinib for their underlying
disease within their region.

Ibrutinib and Obinutuzumab With or Without Venetoclax in Treating Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaRecruiting

This phase III trial studies how well ibrutinib and obinutuzumab with or without venetoclax
work in treating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of
cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Immunotherapy with
monoclonal antibodies, such as obinutuzumab, may help the body's immune system attack the
cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Drugs used in
chemotherapy, such as venetoclax, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells,
either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from
spreading. Giving ibrutinib, obinutuzumab, and venetoclax may work better than giving
ibrutinib and obinutuzumab in treating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of inotuzumab ozogamicin when given
together with combination chemotherapy in treating patients with relapsed or refractory acute
leukemia. Immunotoxins, such as inotuzumab ozogamicin, can find cancer cells that express
cluster of differentiation (CD)22 and kill them without harming normal cells. Drugs used in
chemotherapy, such as cyclophosphamide, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone, work in
different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping
them from dividing. Giving inotuzumab ozogamicin together with combination chemotherapy may
kill more cancer cells.

Testing The Addition of a New Anti-cancer Drug, Venetoclax, to the Usual Treatment (Ibrutinib and Obinutuzumab) in Untreated, Older Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaRecruiting

This phase III trial compares adding a new anti-cancer drug (venetoclax) to the usual
treatment (ibrutinib plus obinutuzumab) in older patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
who have not received previous treatment. The addition of venetoclax to the usual treatment
might prevent chronic lymphocytic leukemia from returning. This trial also will investigate
whether patients who receive ibrutinib plus obinutuzumab plus venetoclax and have no
detectable chronic lymphocytic leukemia after 1 year of treatment, can stop taking ibrutinib.
Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell
growth. Immunotherapy with obinutuzumab may induce changes in body's immune system and may
interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Drugs used in chemotherapy,
such as venetoclax work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by
killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving
ibrutinib and obinutuzumab with venetoclax may work better at treating chronic lymphocytic
leukemia compared to ibrutinib and obinutuzumab.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of lenalidomide and to define the maximum
tolerated escalation dose level (MTEDL) when administered by a stepwise dose-escalation
schedule in subjects with relapsed or refractory B-cell CLL.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Michelle Takahashi, (650) 736 - 4032.

A Multicenter Phase 2 Study of Ibrutinib in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) With 17p DeletionNot Recruiting

An Open-label, Single arm, Multicenter Phase 2 Study of the Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase
Inhibitor ibrutinib in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or
Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma with 17p Deletion

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, 650-725-4041.

This is an open-label, non-randomized, multicenter, Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and
safety of ABT-199 in approximately 120 subjects with relapsed or refractory CLL after B-cell
receptor signaling pathway inhibitors (BCR PI) treatment.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Asma Khan, 650-724-6008.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether treatment with ibrutinib as a monotherapy
results in a clinically significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS) as
compared to treatment with ofatumumab in patients with relapsed or refractory Chronic
Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Tessa St. Rose, 650-736-4032.

This Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the effect of
idelalisib in combination with rituximab on the onset, magnitude, and duration of tumor
control in participants previously treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Eligible
patients will be randomized with a 1:1 ratio into 1 of the 2 treatment arms to receive either
idelalisib plus rituximab or placebo plus rituximab. Participants who are tolerating primary
study therapy but experience definitive CLL progression are eligible to receive active
idelalisib therapy in the extension study, GS-US-312-0117.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Tessa Hunter, (650) 736 - 4032.

A Study of Idelalisib and Rituximab in Elderly Patients With Untreated CLL or SLLNot Recruiting

This study is to evaluate the safety and clinical activity of idelalisib alone and in
combination with rituximab in patients with CLL or SLL.
This Phase 2 study will be the first time that idelalisib is administered to previously
untreated patients with hematologic malignancies. Idelalisib has demonstrated clinical
activity as a single agent in relapsed or refractory CLL and SLL with acceptable toxicity,
which supports its evaluation in previously untreated patients. The study population is
limited to patients over 65 years of age because younger patients are generally appropriate
for standard immunochemotherapy regimens that are highly active. Since the mechanism of
action of idelalisib is distinct from rituximab, it is hypothesized that the combination will
be more active than either agent alone. This study will establish initial safety and clinical
activity of idelalisib in combination with rituximab in patients with CLL or SLL. Cohort 2 of
this study will establish safety and clinical activity of idelalisib alone in subjects with
untreated CLL or SLL.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, (650) 725 - 4041.

A Study of the Efficacy of ABT-199 in Subjects With Relapsed/Refractory or Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With the 17p DeletionNot Recruiting

This is a Phase 2, open label, multicenter, study evaluating the efficacy and safety of
ABT-199 in relapsed or refractory subjects with CLL harboring 17p13 (TP53 locus) deletion.
One hundred seven (107) subjects were enrolled in the main cohort, with evaluation of
efficacy as the primary objective, and approximately 50 subjects will be enrolled in the
safety expansion cohort to evaluate safety and updated tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis and
management measures. Enrollment into the main cohort is closed. Enrollment into the safety
expansion cohort is closed.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Asma Khan, 650-724-6008.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the bone marrow that mostly affects older adults.
Even with the best chemotherapy, two-year disease-free survival is achieved in a minority of
patients. Bone marrow transplantation from a sibling donor may improve cure rates; however,
patients over 50 years of age have a high risk of complications and therefore generally are
excluded from this treatment option. Recently our group developed a transplantation strategy
for older cancer patients that protects against transplant-associated complications, yet does
not interfere with the ability of the transplanted donor cells to destroy cancer cells. With
this new method, we can now safely evaluate transplantation as a curative therapy for AML
patients over the age of 50. We have assembled clinical and scientific researchers throughout
the state of California to study and compare bone marrow transplantation using our new
approach with the best standard of care chemotherapy in AML patients over the age of 50. The
results of this study have the potential to establish a new treatment standard that will
improve survival of older AML patients.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact BMT Referrals, 650-725-1647.

An Extension Study for Subjects Who Are Deriving Benefit With Idelalisib (GS-1101; CAL-101) Following Completion of a Prior Idelalisib StudyNot Recruiting

This is a long-term safety extension study of idelalisib (GS-1101; CAL-101) in patients with
hematologic malignancies who complete other idelalisib studies. It provides the opportunity
for patients to continue treatment as long as the patient is deriving clinical benefit.
Patients will be followed according to the standard of care as appropriate for their type of
cancer. The dose of idelalisib will generally be the same as the dose that was administered
at the end of the prior study, but may be titrated up to improve clinical response or down
for toxicity. Patients will be withdrawn from the study if they develop progressive disease,
unacceptable toxicity related to idelalisib, or if they no longer derive clinical benefit in
the opinion of the investigator.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, 650-725-4041.

This phase II trial is studying the side effects of giving azacitidine together with
gemtuzumab ozogamicin to see how well it works in treating older patients with previously
untreated acute myeloid leukemia. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as azacitidine, work in
different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping
them from dividing. Azacitidine may also stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of
the enzymes needed for cell growth. Monoclonal antibodies, such as gemtuzumab ozogamicin, can
block cancer growth in different ways. Some block the ability of cancer cells to grow and
spread. Others find cancer cells and help kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to
them. Giving azacitidine together with gemtuzumab ozogamicin may kill more cancer cells.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Joselene Sipin-Sayno, (650) 736 - 8113.

Azacitidine With or Without Nivolumab or Midostaurin, or Decitabine and Cytarabine Alone in Treating Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia or High-Risk Myelodysplastic SyndromeNot Recruiting

This randomized phase II/III trial studies how well azacitidine with or without nivolumab or
midostaurin, or decitabine and cytarabine alone work in treating older patients with newly
diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Drugs used in
chemotherapy, such as azacitidine, decitabine, and cytarabine, work in different ways to stop
the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or
by stopping them from spreading. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab,
may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of
tumor cells to grow and spread. Midostaurin may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking
some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving azacitidine with or without nivolumab or
midostaurin, or decitabine and cytarabine alone may kill more cancer cells.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Site Public Contact, 650-498-7061.

Bortezomib and Dexamethasone With or Without Lenalidomide in Treating Patients With Multiple Myeloma Previously Treated With DexamethasoneNot Recruiting

This randomized phase III trial compares bortezomib, dexamethasone, and lenalidomide with
bortezomib and dexamethasone to see how well they work in treating patients with multiple
myeloma previously treated with dexamethasone. Bortezomib may stop the growth of cancer cells
by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as
dexamethasone, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing
the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Lenalidomide may stimulate the immune system in
different ways and stop cancer cells from growing. It is not yet known whether giving
bortezomib and dexamethasone is more effective with or without lenalidomide in treating
multiple myeloma.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nancy Mori, (650) 724 - 0201.

This phase II trial is studying how well giving clofarabine and cytarabine together with
filgrastim works in treating patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML),
advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and/or advanced myeloproliferative neoplasm. Drugs
used in chemotherapy, such as clofarabine and cytarabine, work in different ways to stop the
growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving
the drugs in different doses may kill more cancer cells. Colony stimulating factors, such as
filgrastim, may increase the number of immune cells found in bone marrow or peripheral blood
and may help the immune system recover from the side effects of chemotherapy.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Leonel Gallegos, (650) 723 - 2781.

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer
cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving more than one
drug (combination chemotherapy) may kill more cancer cells.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well combination chemotherapy works in treating
young patients with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Joselene Sipin-Sayno, (650) 736 - 8113.

This randomized phase III trial studies combination chemotherapy with blinatumomab to see how
well it works compared to induction chemotherapy alone in treating patients with newly
diagnosed breakpoint cluster region (BCR)-c-abl oncogene 1, non-receptor tyrosine kinase
(ABL)-negative B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in
different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping
them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Immunotherapy with monoclonal
antibodies, such as blinatumomab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and
may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. It is not yet known whether
combination chemotherapy is more effective with or without blinatumomab in treating newly
diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Joselene Sipin-Sayno, 650-736-8113.

This phase II trial is studying the side effects of giving combination chemotherapy together
with or without donor stem cell transplant and to see how well it works in treating patients
with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop
the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
Giving more than one drug (combination chemotherapy) may kill more cancer cells. Giving
chemotherapy and total-body irradiation before a donor stem cell transplant helps stop the
growth of cancer cells. It also stops the patient's immune system from rejecting the donor's
stem cells. The donated stem cells may replace the patient's immune cells and help destroy
any remaining cancer cells (graft-versus-tumor effect).

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Vani Jain, (650) 725 - 5459.

Cytarabine and Daunorubicin Hydrochloride or Idarubicin and Cytarabine With or Without Vorinostat in Treating Younger Patients With Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid LeukemiaNot Recruiting

This randomized phase III trial studies cytarabine and daunorubicin hydrochloride or
idarubicin and cytarabine with or without vorinostat to see how well they work in treating
younger patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia. Drugs used in
chemotherapy, such as cytarabine, daunorubicin hydrochloride, idarubicin, and vorinostat,
work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells,
stopping them from dividing, or by stopping from spreading. Giving more than one drug
(combination chemotherapy) and giving the drugs in different doses and in different
combinations may kill more cancer cells. It is not yet known which combination chemotherapy
is more effective in treating acute myeloid leukemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Joselene Sipin-Sayno, 650-736-8113.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects, good and/or bad, of a standard
chemotherapy regimen for AML that includes the drugs daunorubicin and cytarabine combined
with or without midostaurin (also known as PKC412), to find out which is better. This
research is being done because it is unknown whether the addition of midostaurin to
chemotherapy treatment is better than chemotherapy treatment alone. Midostaurin has been
tested in over 400 patients and is being studied in a number of illnesses, including AML,
colon cancer, and lung cancer. Midostaurin blocks an enzyme, produced by a gene known as
FLT3, that may have a role in the survival and growth of AML cells. Not all leukemia cells
will have the abnormal FLT3 gene. This study will focus only on patients with leukemia cells
with the abnormal FLT3 gene.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Leonel Gallegos, (650) 723 - 2781.

Efficacy and Safety of Idelalisib in Combination With Ofatumumab for Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaNot Recruiting

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the addition of idelalisib
to ofatumumab on progression-free survival (PFS) in participants with previously treated
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Heidi Britton, 650-725-9167.

Efficacy and Safety of Midostaurin in Patients With Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis or Mast Cell LeukemiaNot Recruiting

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of twice daily (bid) oral
midostaurin in patients with Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis (ASM) or Mast Cell Leukemia
(MCL) with or without an Associated Hematological clonal Non-Mast cell lineage Disease
(AHNMD).

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Andrea Linder, (650) 725 - 4047.

This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simtuzumab (GS-6624) on bone marrow
fibrosis either alone or in combination with ruxolitinib in participants with Primary
myelofibrosis (PMF) and Post Polycythemia Vera or Post Essential Thrombocythemia
Myelofibrosis (ET/PV MF).
The study is designed as a two stage trial. In the stage 1, patients will be randomized into
two cohorts to receive either 200 or 700 mg of study drug. In the stage 2, patients on
ruxolitinib will be randomized to receive either 200 or 700 mg of study drug.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Andrea Linder, (650) 725 - 4047.

The primary objective will be to assess the overall response rate and to evaluate the
efficacy and safety of idelalisib (IDELA; GS-1101) in participants with previously treated
indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (iNHL) that is refractory both to rituximab and to
alkylating-agent-containing chemotherapy.
Eligible participants will initiate oral therapy with idelalisib at a starting dose of 150 mg
taken twice per day. Treatment with idelalisib can continue in compliant participants as long
as the study is still ongoing and the participants appear to be benefiting from treatment
with acceptable safety.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Tessa St.Rose, (650) 736 - 4032.

The main objective of this study is to learn which sapacitabine treatment is more likely to
keep the cancer in check for at least one year in AML patients who are at least 70 years of
age or older and in MDS patients who are at least 60 years of age.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Michelle Takahashi, (650) 736 - 4032.

This study is evaluating the efficacy of obinutuzumab in combination with chlorambucil (Arm
A) compared with acalabrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab (Arm B) for the treatment of
previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, 650-725-4041.

This will be a multi-center, open label, expanded treatment protocol of panobinostat,
bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.
Panobinostat will be administered at a starting dose of 20mg orally three times a week (every
other day) for two weeks on and one week off, with dose adjustments permitted based on
observed toxicity. Bortezomib will be administered either intravenously or sub-cutaneously,
twice a week on days 1 and 4, two weeks on 1 week off. After 8 cycles of treatment, patients
who have achieved stable disease or better by modified EBMT 1998 criteria may continue
combination therapy with bortezomib dosing changed to days 1 and 8 of a 21 day cycle for up
to 48 weeks of therapy. At the end of the treatment period, (48 weeks) patients with stable
disease or better may continue on therapy at the discretion of their investigator until
September 2015 or until drug is commercially available, whichever comes first. Patients who
have not achieved at least stable disease by 8 cycles must discontinue from study treatment.
Dexamethasone will be administered on the day of and the day immediately following bortezomib
treatment. Patients will not receive any study treatment during the third week of each cycle.
Cycles will be defined as 21 days of treatment. Investigators may not add any other
anti-myeloma agents (with the exception of bisphosphonates) while patients remain on study
treatment. Patients will remain on study until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or
end of the study

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Ying Hao, 650-723-0646.

Extension Study Evaluating the Long Term Safety and Efficacy Study of CYT387 in Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) or Post-polycythemia Vera (PV) or Post-essential Thrombocythemia (ET)Not Recruiting

This extension protocol to the core study CCL09101 allows patients who have tolerated the
drug and derived a clinical benefit, to continue to receive treatment beyond the 9 cycles of
the core protocol. Long term safety and efficacy of CYT387 (momelotinib) will be evaluated.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Andrea Linder, (650) 725 - 4027.

The primary objective of this extension study (GS-US-312-0117) that is a companion study to
Study GS-US-312-0116 (NCT01539512), is to evaluate the effect of idelalisib on the onset,
magnitude, and duration of tumor control. Randomization was done in study GS-US-312-0116, and
carried forward to study GS-US-312-117.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Tessa Hunter, (650) 736 - 4032.

Ibrutinib and Rituximab Compared With Fludarabine Phosphate, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab in Treating Patients With Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic LymphomaNot Recruiting

This randomized phase III trial studies ibrutinib and rituximab to see how well they work
compared to fludarabine phosphate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in treating patients with
untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Ibrutinib may stop the
growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in
chemotherapy, such as fludarabine phosphate and cyclophosphamide, work in different ways to
stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing,
or by stopping them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, interfere with
the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. It is not yet known whether fludarabine
phosphate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab may work better than ibrutinib and rituximab in
treating patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Kevin Morrison, 650-725-5459 (Palo Alto and South Bay locations).

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of ibrutinib when given together
with idarubicin and cytarabine in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has
returned after a period of improvement or has not responded to previous treatment. Ibrutinib
may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.
Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as idarubicin and cytarabine, work in different ways to stop
the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by
stopping them from spreading. Giving ibrutinib together with idarubicin and cytarabine may
kill more cancer cells.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Jack Taw, 650-723-2781.

Lenalidomide and Ibrutinib in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic LymphomaNot Recruiting

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of lenalidomide when given together
with ibrutinib in treating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic
lymphoma that has returned after a period of improvement or does not respond to treatment.
Biological therapies, such as lenalidomide, may stimulate the immune system in different ways
and stop cancer cells from growing. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking
some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving lenalidomide together with ibrutinib may
work better in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Asma Khan, 650-724-6008.

This study assesses the long-term safety and tolerability of dasatinib administered to
patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia or Philadelphia chromosome positive acute
lymphoblastic leukemia and experienced clinical benefit from treatment with dasatinib or
imatinib in previous protocols.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Dana Supan, (650) 725 - 8538.

An open-label, multicenter, phase 1, dose escalation study of MLN4924 in adult patients with
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), high-grade myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The patient
population will consist of adults previously diagnosed with AML including high-grade MDS for
which standard curative, life-prolonging treatment does not exist or is no longer effective.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Leonel Gallegos, (650) 723 - 2781.

Open-label Extension Study in Patients 65 Years or Older With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic LymphomaNot Recruiting

An Open-label Extension Study in Patients 65 Years or Older with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) Who Participated in Study PCYC-1115-CA (Ibrutinib
versus Chlorambucil)

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, 650-725-4041.

The rationale for this study is to provide additional treatment with NEOD001 for subjects who
complete Study NEOD001-001, and to continue to evaluate long term safety and tolerability.
All subjects in the current NEOD001 trials are being dosed at 24 mg/kg, which will be
continued in this study.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Cancer Clinical Trials Office (CCTO), 650-498-7061.

Dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of NEOD001 in approximately 30
subjects with AL amyloidosis. Expansion phase to evaluate safety, efficacy and
pharmacokinetics of NEOD001 in 25 additional subjects at the maximum tolerated dose.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Ying Hao, 650-723-0646.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the
combination of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in previously untreated CLL patients.
Participants will receive fludarabine and cyclophosphamide on days 1, 2, and 3 of six 28-day
cycles.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, (650) 725 - 4041.

The safety and efficacy of midostaurin (PKC412), a novel investigational drug, will be
evaluated on the basis of response rate, when administered to patients with aggressive
systemic mastocytosis (ASM) or mast cell leukemia (MCL)

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Andrea Linder, (650) 725 - 4047.

This is an approach which can inflict significant toxicity. An alternative is to block
expression of oncogenes which are over-expressed only in cancer cells, a therapeutic approach
which could reduce toxicity to the host while maximizing destruction of the
oncogene-dependent malignant cells.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Alice Fan, 650-736-1285.

Phase I Bortezomib (VELCADE) in Combo With Pralatrexate in Relapsed/Refractory MMNot Recruiting

The purpose of this trial is to find out the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of bortezomib
(VELCADE) in combination with pralatrexate in patients with previously treated multiple
myeloma, AL amyloid and Waldenstroem's macroglobulinemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Ying Hao, 650-723-0646.

We hope to learn more about the clinical efficacy of bortezomib in T-cell prolymphocytic
leukemia. Patients will be selected as a possible participant in this study because they have
a bone marrow disorder known as T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-cell PLL) which does not
tend to respond well to conventional treatment with chemotherapy.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Richa Rajwanshi, (650) 736 - 4031.

This randomized phase III trial studies rituximab with bendamustine hydrochloride or
ibrutinib to see how well they work compared to ibrutinib alone in treating older patients
with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Monoclonal antibodies, such as
rituximab, may block cancer growth in different ways by targeting certain cells. Drugs used
in chemotherapy, such as bendamustine hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the
growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by
stopping them from spreading. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some
of the enzymes needed for cell growth. It is not yet known whether rituximab with
bendamustine hydrochloride may work better than rituximab and ibrutinib or ibrutinib alone in
treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Kevin Morrison, 650-725-5459.

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer
cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies,
such as gemtuzumab, can block cancer growth in different ways. Some find cancer cells and
help kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to them. Others interfere with the ability
of cancer cells to grow and spread. Gemtuzumab may also stop the growth of promyelocytic
leukemia by blocking blood flow to the cancer. Giving gemtuzumab together with combination
chemotherapy may be more effective in treating promyelocytic leukemia.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving gemtuzumab together with combination
chemotherapy works in treating patients with previously untreated promyelocytic leukemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, (650) 725 - 4041.

RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies, such as epratuzumab, can block cancer growth in different
ways. Some block the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Others find cancer cells and
help kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to them. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such
as cytarabine and clofarabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells,
either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving epratuzumab together
with cytarabine and clofarabine may kill more cancer cells.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying the side effects and how well giving epratuzumab
together with cytarabine and clofarabine works in treating patients with relapsed or
refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Nini Estevez, (650) 725 - 4041.

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as idarubicin and cytarabine, work in different
ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from
dividing. Pravastatin may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes
needed for cell growth. Pravastatin may also help idarubicin and cytarabine work better by
making cancer cells more sensitive to the drugs. Giving idarubicin and cytarabine together
with pravastatin may kill more cancer cells.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving idarubicin and cytarabine together
with pravastatin works in treating patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND: S0919 was initially designed for patients with relapsed acute myeloid
leukemia (AML), where the patient's preceding remission had lasted ? 3 months. The null
response rate was 30%. The study closed to accrual on Nov 1, 2012 after meeting the defined
criterion for a positive study; and the results are being submitted to the American Society
of Clinical Oncology meeting. Based on the promising results from this trial, the trial has
now been amended to evaluate this therapeutic regimen in poor-risk patients (patients with
newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arising out of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS),
primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
with the patient's preceding remission lasting < 6 months).

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Joselene Sipin-Sayno, 650-736-8113.

This study will be conducted to assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of panobinostat given
3 times a week (administered on weeks 2 and 3 of a 4 week cycle) in combination with
induction chemotherapy (idarubicin and cytarabine) in newly diagnosed patients with a
cytopathologically confirmed diagnosis of high-risk AML, and to investigate the safety of the
combination in this regimen.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Jack Taw, (650) 723 - 2781.

This study seeks to (i) determine a safe and tolerated dose of CYT387 (momelotinib) given to
patients with PMF, post-PV or post-ET and, (ii) assess the effectiveness of
orally-administered CYT387 as a treatment for PMF, post-PV or post-ET.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Andrea Linder, (650) 725 - 4047.

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of pracinostat when
combined with azacitadine for patients who are 65 years of age or older and have Acute
Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Leilani Hong Lien, 650-725-0437.

Safety Study of CAT-8015 Immunooxin in Patients With HCL With Advance DiseaseNot Recruiting

RATIONALE: The CAT-8015 immunotoxin can bind tumor cells and kill them without harming normal
cells. This may be an effective treatment for hairy cell leukemia(HCL) that has not responded
to chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy.
PURPOSE: Phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of CAT-8015
immunotoxin in treating patients who have hairy cell leukemia (HCL) that has not responded to
treatment.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Michelle Takahashi, (650) 736 - 4032.

This is a Phase II, open-label, non-randomized study to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and
pharmacokinetics of tamibarotene in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute
promyelocytic leukemia (APL) following treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and
arsenic trioxide (ATO). Patients must have received and failed therapy with ATRA and ATO.
Treatment may have been administered either as combination therapy or sequentially as single
agents. Patients who are intolerant to either drug are eligible for this study.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Michelle Takahashi, (650) 736 - 4032.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the addition of idelalisib
(formerly GS-1101) to bendamustine + rituximab (BR) on progression-free survival (PFS) in
participants with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Heidi Britton, 650-725-9167.

Study of MLN4924 Plus Azacitidine in Treatment-naive Participants With Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Who Are 60 Years or OlderNot Recruiting

The purpose of this study is to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and to assess the
safety and tolerability of MLN4924 (pevonedistat) in combination with azacitidine in
treatment naive participants with AML who were 60 years of age or older.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Marlene Zuraek, (650) 736-4031.

Study of Oral IXAZOMIB in Combination With Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Participants With Newly Diagnosed Multiple MyelomaNot Recruiting

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose
(MTD), and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) in phase 1 and to determine the combined response
rate of clinical response CR and very good partial response (VGPR) in phase 2 of oral (PO)
ixazomib administered twice-weekly in combination with lenalidomide and low-dose
dexamethasone in a 21-day cycle in participants with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDDM).

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Vani Jain, (650) 725 - 5459.

Study to Determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose and Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of CEP-18770 (Delanzomib) in Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Refractory to the Most Recent TherapyNot Recruiting

The primary objective for part 1 of the study is to determine the maximum tolerated dose
(MTD) of CEP-18770 in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The primary
objective for part 2 is to evaluate the antitumor activity of CEP-18770 in patients treated
at the MTD.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Leonel Gallegos, (650) 723 - 2781.

This is a global, multicenter, Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
two-arm, parallel-group efficacy and safety study of NEOD001 as a single agent administered
intravenously in adults with AL amyloidosis who had a hematologic response to previous
treatment for their amyloidosis (e.g., chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplant [ASCT])
and have persistent cardiac dysfunction.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Ying Hao, 650-723-0646.

The purpose of this study is to test the safety of vorinostat (Zolinza) and azacitidine
(Vidaza) when combined with gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) at different dose levels. These drugs
increase the effect of GO against leukemia cells in the test tube, but we don't know yet
whether they also increase the anti-leukemia effect of GO in people.

Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.For more information, please contact Leonel Gallegos, (650) 723 - 2781.

Abstract

Acalabrutinib is a selective, covalent Bruton tyrosine-kinase inhibitor with activity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We compare the efficacy of acalabrutinib with or without obinutuzumab against chlorambucil with obinutuzumab in patients with treatment-naive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.ELEVATE TN is a global, phase 3, multicentre, open-label study in patients with treatment-naive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia done at 142 academic and community hospitals in 18 countries. Eligible patients had untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and were aged 65 years or older, or older than 18 years and younger than 65 years with creatinine clearance of 30-69 mL/min (calculated by use of the Cockcroft-Gault equation) or Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics score greater than 6. Additional criteria included an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 2 or less and adequate haematologic, hepatic, and renal function. Patients with significant cardiovascular disease were excluded, and concomitant treatment with warfarin or equivalent vitamin K antagonists was prohibited. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) centrally via an interactive voice or web response system to receive acalabrutinib and obinutuzumab, acalabrutinib monotherapy, or obinutuzumab and oral chlorambucil. Treatments were administered in 28-day cycles. To reduce infusion-related reactions, acalabrutinib was administered for one cycle before obinutuzumab administration. Oral acalabrutinib was administered (100 mg) twice a day until progressive disease or unacceptable toxic effects occurred. In the acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab group, intravenous obinutuzumab was given on days 1 (100 mg), 2 (900 mg), 8 (1000 mg), and 15 (1000 mg) of cycle 2 and on day 1 (1000 mg) of cycles 3-7. In the obinutuzumab-chlorambucil group, intravenous obinutuzumab was given on days 1 (100 mg), 2 (900 mg), 8 (1000 mg), and 15 (1000 mg) of cycle 1 and on day 1 (1000 mg) of cycles 2-6. Oral chlorambucil was given (0·5 mg/kg) on days 1 and 15 of each cycle, for six cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival between the two combination-therapy groups, assessed by independent review committee. Crossover to acalabrutinib was allowed in patients who progressed on obinutuzumab-chlorambucil. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of treatment. Enrolment for this trial is complete, and the study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02475681.Between Sept 14, 2015, and Feb 8, 2017, we recruited 675 patients for assessment. 140 patients did not meet eligibility criteria, and 535 patients were randomly assigned to treatment. 179 patients were assigned to receive acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab, 179 patients were assigned to receive acalabrutinib monotherapy, and 177 patients were assigned to receive obinutuzumab-chlorambucil. At median follow-up of 28·3 months (IQR 25·6-33·1), median progression-free survival was longer with acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab and acalabrutinib monotherapy, compared with obinutuzumab-chlorambucil (median not reached with acalabrutinib and obinutuzumab vs 22·6 months with obinutuzumab, hazard ratio [HR] 0·1; 95% CI 0·06-0·17, p<0·0001; and not reached with acalabrutinib monotherapy vs 22·6 months with obinutuzumab, 0·20; 0·13-0·3, p<0·0001). Estimated progression-free survival at 24 months was 93% with acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab (95% CI 87-96%), 87% with acalabrutinib monotherapy (81-92%), and 47% with obinutuzumab-chlorambucil (39-55%). The most common grade 3 or higher adverse event across groups was neutropenia (53 [30%] of 178 patients in the acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab group, 17 [9%] of 179 patients in the acalabrutinib group, and 70 [41%] of 169 patients in the obinutuzumab-chlorambucil group). All-grade infusion reactions were less frequent with acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab (24 [13%] of 178 patients) than obinutuzumab-chlorambucil (67 [40%] of 169 patients). Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in 37 (21%) patients given acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab, 25 (14%) patients given acalabrutinib monotherapy, and 14 (8%) patients given obinutuzumab-chlorambucil. Deaths occurred in eight (4%) patients given acalabrutinib-obinutuzumab, 12 (7%) patients given acalabrutinib, and 15 (9%) patients given obinutuzumab-chlorambucil.Acalabrutinib with or without obinutuzumab significantly improved progression-free survival over obinutuzumab-chlorambucil chemoimmunotherapy, providing a chemotherapy-free treatment option with an acceptable side-effect profile that was consistent with previous studies. These data support the use of acalabrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab or alone as a new treatment option for patients with treatment-naive symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.Acerta Pharma, a member of the AstraZeneca Group, and R35 CA198183 (to JCB).

Abstract

Data regarding the efficacy of treatment with ibrutinib-rituximab, as compared with standard chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been limited.In a phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned (in a 2:1 ratio) patients 70 years of age or younger with previously untreated CLL to receive either ibrutinib and rituximab for six cycles (after a single cycle of ibrutinib alone), followed by ibrutinib until disease progression, or six cycles of chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. The primary end point was progression-free survival, and overall survival was a secondary end point. We report the results of a planned interim analysis.A total of 529 patients underwent randomization (354 patients to the ibrutinib-rituximab group, and 175 to the chemoimmunotherapy group). At a median follow-up of 33.6 months, the results of the analysis of progression-free survival favored ibrutinib-rituximab over chemoimmunotherapy (89.4% vs. 72.9% at 3 years; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22 to 0.56; P<0.001), and the results met the protocol-defined efficacy threshold for the interim analysis. The results of the analysis of overall survival also favored ibrutinib-rituximab over chemoimmunotherapy (98.8% vs. 91.5% at 3 years; hazard ratio for death, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.54; P<0.001). In a subgroup analysis involving patients without immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) mutation, ibrutinib-rituximab resulted in better progression-free survival than chemoimmunotherapy (90.7% vs. 62.5% at 3 years; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.50). The 3-year progression-free survival among patients with IGHV mutation was 87.7% in the ibrutinib-rituximab group and 88.0% in the chemoimmunotherapy group (hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.36). The incidence of adverse events of grade 3 or higher (regardless of attribution) was similar in the two groups (in 282 of 352 patients [80.1%] who received ibrutinib-rituximab and in 126 of 158 [79.7%] who received chemoimmunotherapy), whereas infectious complications of grade 3 or higher were less common with ibrutinib-rituximab than with chemoimmunotherapy (in 37 patients [10.5%] vs. 32 [20.3%], P<0.001).The ibrutinib-rituximab regimen resulted in progression-free survival and overall survival that were superior to those with a standard chemoimmunotherapy regimen among patients 70 years of age or younger with previously untreated CLL. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and Pharmacyclics; E1912 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02048813.).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ibrutinib has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) since 2016 but has not been compared with chemoimmunotherapy. We conducted a phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy of ibrutinib, either alone or in combination with rituximab, relative to chemoimmunotherapy.METHODS: Patients 65 years of age or older who had untreated CLL were randomly assigned to receive bendamustine plus rituximab, ibrutinib, or ibrutinib plus rituximab. The primary end point was progression-free survival. The Alliance Data and Safety Monitoring Board made the decision to release the data after the protocol-specified efficacy threshold had been met.RESULTS: A total of 183 patients were assigned to receive bendamustine plus rituximab, 182 to receive ibrutinib, and 182 to receive ibrutinib plus rituximab. Median progression-free survival was reached only with bendamustine plus rituximab. The estimated percentage of patients with progression-free survival at 2 years was 74% with bendamustine plus rituximab and was higher with ibrutinib alone (87%; hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.58; P<0.001) and with ibrutinib plus rituximab (88%; hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.59; P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the ibrutinib-plus-rituximab group and the ibrutinib group with regard to progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.62; P=0.49). With a median follow-up of 38 months, there was no significant difference among the three treatment groups with regard to overall survival. The rate of grade 3, 4, or 5 hematologic adverse events was higher with bendamustine plus rituximab (61%) than with ibrutinib or ibrutinib plus rituximab (41% and 39%, respectively), whereas the rate of grade 3, 4, or 5 nonhematologic adverse events was lower with bendamustine plus rituximab (63%) than with the ibrutinib-containing regimens (74% with each regimen).CONCLUSIONS: Among older patients with untreated CLL, treatment with ibrutinib was superior to treatment with bendamustine plus rituximab with regard to progression-free survival. There was no significant difference between ibrutinib and ibrutinib plus rituximab with regard to progression-free survival. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and Pharmacyclics; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01886872 .).

Abstract

Purpose Venetoclax is an orally bioavailable B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor. US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approval for patients with 17p deleted relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia [del(17p) CLL] was based on results from 107 patients. An additional 51 patients were enrolled in a safety expansion cohort. Extended analysis of all enrolled patients, including the effect of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity on outcome, is now reported. Patients and Methods Overall, 158 patients with relapsed/refractory or previously untreated (n = 5) del(17p) CLL received venetoclax 400 mg per day after an initial dose ramp up. Responses were based on 2008 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia criteria, with monthly physical exams and blood counts. Computed tomography scan was mandatory at week 36, after which assessment made was by clinical evaluation. Marrow biopsy was performed when complete remission was suspected. MRD was assessed by flow cytometry. Results Patients had a median of two prior therapies (range, zero to 10 therapies), 71% had TP53 mutation, and 48% had nodes that were ? 5 cm. Median time on venetoclax was 23.1 months (range, 0 to 44.2 months) and median time on study was 26.6 months (range, 0 to 44.2 months). For all patients, investigator-assessed objective response rate was 77% (122 of 158 patients; 20% complete remission) and estimated progression-free survival at 24 months was 54% (95% CI, 45% to 62%). For 16 patients who received prior kinase inhibitors, objective response rate was 63% (10 of 16 patients) and 24-month progression-free survival estimate was 50% (95% CI, 25% to 71%). By intent-to-treat analysis, 48 (30%) of 158 patients achieved MRD below the cutoff of 10-4 in blood. Common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were hematologic and managed with supportive care and/or dose adjustments. Conclusion Venetoclax achieves durable responses and was well tolerated in patients with del(17p) CLL. A high rate of blood MRD < 10-4 was achieved in this high-risk population.

Abstract

We previously reported durable responses and manageable safety of ibrutinib from a 3-year follow-up of treatment-naïve (TN) older patients (?65 years of age) and relapsed/refractory (R/R) patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). We now report on long-term efficacy and safety with median follow-up of 5 years in this patient population with TN (N = 31) and R/R (N = 101) CLL/SLL. With the current 5-year follow-up, ibrutinib continues to yield a high overall response rate of 89%, with complete response rates increasing over time to 29% in TN patients and 10% in R/R patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached in TN patients. The 5-year PFS rate was 92% in TN patients and 44% in R/R patients. Median PFS in R/R patients was 51 months; in those with del(11q), del(17p), and unmutated IGHV, it was 51, 26, and 43 months, respectively, demonstrating long-term efficacy of ibrutinib in some high-risk subgroups. Survival outcomes were less robust for R/R patients with del(17p) and those who received more prior therapies. The onset of grade ?3 cytopenias, such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, decreased over time. Treatment--limiting adverse events were more frequent during the first year compared with subsequent periods. These results demonstrate sustained efficacy and acceptable tolerability of ibrutinib over an extended time, providing the longest experience for Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in patients with CLL/SLL. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01105247 and #NCT01109069.

Abstract

Therapy targeting Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) with ibrutinib has transformed the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. However, patients who are refractory to or relapse after ibrutinib therapy have poor outcomes. Venetoclax is a selective, orally bioavailable inhibitor of BCL-2 active in previously treated patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. In this study, we assessed the activity and safety of venetoclax in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who are refractory to or relapse during or after ibrutinib therapy.In this interim analysis of a multicentre, open-label, non-randomised, phase 2 trial, we enrolled patients aged 18 years or older with a documented diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia according to the 2008 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) criteria and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 2 or lower. All patients had relapsed or refractory disease after previous treatment with a BCR signalling pathway inhibitor. All patients were screened for Richter's transformation and cases confirmed by biopsy were excluded. Eligible patients received oral venetoclax, starting at 20 mg per day with stepwise dose ramp-up over 5 weeks to 400 mg per day. Patients with rapidly progressing disease received an accelerated dosing schedule (to 400 mg per day by week 3). The primary endpoint was overall response, defined as the proportion of patients with an overall response per investigator's assessment according to IWCLL criteria. All patients who received at least one dose of venetoclax were included in the activity and safety analyses. This study is ongoing; data for this interim analysis were collected per regulatory agencies' request as of June 30, 2017. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02141282.Between September, 2014, and November, 2016, 127 previously treated patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were enrolled from 15 sites across the USA. 91 patients had received ibrutinib as the last BCR inhibitor therapy before enrolment, 43 of whom were enrolled in the main cohort and 48 in the expansion cohort recruited later after a protocol amendment. At the time of analysis, the median follow-up was 14 months (IQR 8-18) for all 91 patients, 19 months (9-27) for the main cohort, and 12 months (8-15) for the expansion cohort. 59 (65%, 95% CI 53-74) of 91 patients had an overall response, including 30 (70%, 54-83) of 43 patients in the main cohort and 29 (60%, 43-72) of 48 patients in the expansion cohort. The most common treatment-emergent grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (46 [51%] of 91 patients), thrombocytopenia (26 [29%]), anaemia (26 [29%]), decreased white blood cell count (17 [19%]), and decreased lymphocyte count (14 [15%]). 17 (19%) of 91 patients died, including seven because of disease progression. No treatment-related deaths occurred.The results of this interim analysis show that venetoclax has durable clinical activity and favourable tolerability in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia whose disease progressed during or after discontinutation of ibrutinib therapy. The durability of response to venetoclax will be assessed in the final analysis in 2019.AbbVie, Genentech.

Abstract

The TP53 gene, encoding tumour suppressor protein p53, is located on the short arm of chromosome 17 (17p). Patients with 17p deletion (del17p) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia have poor responses and survival after chemoimmunotherapy. We assessed the activity and safety of ibrutinib, an oral covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, in relapsed or refractory patients with del17p chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.We did a multicentre, international, open-label, single-arm study at 40 sites in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Patients (age ?18 years) with previously treated del17p chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma received oral ibrutinib 420 mg once daily until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall response in the all-treated population per International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia 2008 response criteria modified for treatment-related lymphocytosis. Preplanned exploratory analyses were progression-free survival, overall survival, sustained haematological improvement, and immunological improvement. Patient enrolment is complete, but follow-up is ongoing. Treatment discontinuation owing to adverse events, unacceptable toxicity, or death were collected as a single combined category. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01744691.Between Jan 29, 2013, and June 19, 2013, 145 patients were enrolled. The all-treated population consisted of 144 patients with del17p chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma who received at least one dose of study drug, with a median age of 64 years (IQR 57-72) and a median of two previous treatments (IQR 1-3). At the prespecified primary analysis after a median follow-up of 11·5 months (IQR 11·1-13·8), 92 (64%, 95% CI 56-71) of 144 patients had an overall response according to independent review committee assessment; 119 patients (83%, 95% CI 76-88) had an overall response according to investigator assessment. In an extended analysis with median follow-up of 27·6 months (IQR 14·6-27·7), the investigator-assessed overall response was reported in 120 patients (83%, 95% CI 76-89). 24-month progression-free survival was 63% (95% CI 54-70) and 24-month overall survival was 75% (67-81). Sustained haematological improvement was noted in 72 (79%) of 91 patients with any baseline cytopenia. No clinically relevant changes were noted from baseline to 6 months or 24 months in IgA (median 0·4 g/L at baseline, 0·6 g/L at 6 months, and 0·7 g/L at 24 months), IgG (5·0 g/L, 5·3 g/L, and 4·9 g/L), or IgM (0·3 g/L at each timepoint) concentrations. Common reasons for treatment discontinuation were progressive disease in 34 (24%) patients and adverse events, unacceptable toxicity, or death in 24 (17%) patients. Major bleeding occurred in 13 (9%) patients (11 [8%] grade 3-4). Grade 3 or worse infections occurred in 43 (30%) patients, including pneumonia in 19 (13%) patients. In the extended analysis, 38 patients died, 18 as a result of adverse events (four pneumonia, three chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, two Richter's syndrome, two sepsis, and one each of acute myocardial infarction, septic shock, encephalopathy, general deterioration in physical health, abnormal hepatic function, myocardial infarction, and renal infarction).A high proportion of patients had an overall response to ibrutinib and the risk:benefit profile was favourable, providing further evidence for use of ibrutinib in the most difficult subset of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Ibrutinib represents a clinical advance in the treatment of patients with del17p chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and has been incorporated into treatment algorithms as a primary treatment for these patients.Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company.

Abstract

In patients with chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), a short duration of response to therapy or adverse cytogenetic abnormalities are associated with a poor outcome. We evaluated the efficacy of ibrutinib, a covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, in patients at risk for a poor outcome.In this multicenter, open-label, phase 3 study, we randomly assigned 391 patients with relapsed or refractory CLL or SLL to receive daily ibrutinib or the anti-CD20 antibody ofatumumab. The primary end point was the duration of progression-free survival, with the duration of overall survival and the overall response rate as secondary end points.At a median follow-up of 9.4 months, ibrutinib significantly improved progression-free survival; the median duration was not reached in the ibrutinib group (with a rate of progression-free survival of 88% at 6 months), as compared with a median of 8.1 months in the ofatumumab group (hazard ratio for progression or death in the ibrutinib group, 0.22; P<0.001). Ibrutinib also significantly improved overall survival (hazard ratio for death, 0.43; P=0.005). At 12 months, the overall survival rate was 90% in the ibrutinib group and 81% in the ofatumumab group. The overall response rate was significantly higher in the ibrutinib group than in the ofatumumab group (42.6% vs. 4.1%, P<0.001). An additional 20% of ibrutinib-treated patients had a partial response with lymphocytosis. Similar effects were observed regardless of whether patients had a chromosome 17p13.1 deletion or resistance to purine analogues. The most frequent nonhematologic adverse events were diarrhea, fatigue, pyrexia, and nausea in the ibrutinib group and fatigue, infusion-related reactions, and cough in the ofatumumab group.Ibrutinib, as compared with ofatumumab, significantly improved progression-free survival, overall survival, and response rate among patients with previously treated CLL or SLL. (Funded by Pharmacyclics and Janssen; RESONATE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01578707.).

Abstract

Patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have clinically significant coexisting medical conditions are less able to undergo standard chemotherapy. Effective therapies with acceptable side-effect profiles are needed for this patient population.In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of idelalisib, an oral inhibitor of the delta isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in combination with rituximab versus rituximab plus placebo. We randomly assigned 220 patients with decreased renal function, previous therapy-induced myelosuppression, or major coexisting illnesses to receive rituximab and either idelalisib (at a dose of 150 mg) or placebo twice daily. The primary end point was progression-free survival. At the first prespecified interim analysis, the study was stopped early on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board owing to overwhelming efficacy.The median progression-free survival was 5.5 months in the placebo group and was not reached in the idelalisib group (hazard ratio for progression or death in the idelalisib group, 0.15; P<0.001). Patients receiving idelalisib versus those receiving placebo had improved rates of overall response (81% vs. 13%; odds ratio, 29.92; P<0.001) and overall survival at 12 months (92% vs. 80%; hazard ratio for death, 0.28; P=0.02). Serious adverse events occurred in 40% of the patients receiving idelalisib and rituximab and in 35% of those receiving placebo and rituximab.The combination of idelalisib and rituximab, as compared with placebo and rituximab, significantly improved progression-free survival, response rate, and overall survival among patients with relapsed CLL who were less able to undergo chemotherapy. (Funded by Gilead; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01539512.).

Abstract

Chemoimmunotherapy has led to improved numbers of patients achieving disease response, and longer overall survival in young patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; however, its application in elderly patients has been restricted by substantial myelosuppression and infection. We aimed to assess safety and activity of ibrutinib, an orally administered covalent inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), in treatment-naive patients aged 65 years and older with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.In our open-label phase 1b/2 trial, we enrolled previously untreated patients at clinical sites in the USA. Eligible patients were aged at least 65 years, and had symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma requiring therapy. Patients received 28 day cycles of once-daily ibrutinib 420 mg or ibrutinib 840 mg. The 840 mg dose was discontinued after enrolment had begun because comparable activity of the doses has been shown. The primary endpoint was the safety of the dose-fixed regimen in terms of frequency and severity of adverse events for all patients who received treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01105247.Between May 20, 2010, and Dec 18, 2012, we enrolled 29 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and two patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma. Median age was 71 years (range 65-84), and 23 (74%) patients were at least 70 years old. Toxicity was mainly of mild-to-moderate severity (grade 1-2). 21 (68%) patients had diarrhoea (grade 1 in 14 [45%] patients, grade 2 in three [10%] patients, and grade 3 in four [13%] patients). 15 (48%) patients developed nausea (grade 1 in 12 [39%] patients and grade 2 in three [10%] patients). Ten (32%) patients developed fatigue (grade 1 in five [16%] patients, grade 2 in four [13%] patients, and grade 3 in one [3%] patient). Three (10%) patients developed grade 3 infections, although no grade 4 or 5 infections occurred. One patient developed grade 3 neutropenia, and one developed grade 4 thrombocytopenia. After a median follow-up of 22.1 months (IQR 18.4-23.2), 22 (71%) of 31 patients achieved an objective response (95% CI 52.0-85.8); four patients (13%) had a complete response, one patient (3%) had a nodular partial response, and 17 (55%) patients had a partial response.The safety and activity of ibrutinib in elderly, previously untreated patients with symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, or small lymphocytic lymphoma is encouraging, and merits further investigation in phase 3 trials.Pharmacyclics, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, D Warren Brown Foundation, Mr and Mrs Michael Thomas, Harry Mangurian Foundation, P50 CA140158 to Prof J C Byrd MD.

Abstract

The treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has resulted in few durable remissions. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), an essential component of B-cell-receptor signaling, mediates interactions with the tumor microenvironment and promotes the survival and proliferation of CLL cells.We conducted a phase 1b-2 multicenter study to assess the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ibrutinib (PCI-32765), a first-in-class, oral covalent inhibitor of BTK designed for treatment of B-cell cancers, in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma. A total of 85 patients, the majority of whom were considered to have high-risk disease, received ibrutinib orally once daily; 51 received 420 mg, and 34 received 840 mg.Toxic effects were predominantly grade 1 or 2 and included transient diarrhea, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infection; thus, patients could receive extended treatment with minimal hematologic toxic effects. The overall response rate was the same in the group that received 420 mg and the group that received 840 mg (71%), and an additional 20% and 15% of patients in the respective groups had a partial response with lymphocytosis. The response was independent of clinical and genomic risk factors present before treatment, including advanced-stage disease, the number of previous therapies, and the 17p13.1 deletion. At 26 months, the estimated progression-free survival rate was 75% and the rate of overall survival was 83%.Ibrutinib was associated with a high frequency of durable remissions in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma, including patients with high-risk genetic lesions. (Funded by Pharmacyclics and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01105247.).

Abstract

Available treatments for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have limited durable activity and unsatisfactory safety profiles in most elderly patients. We assessed the efficacy and toxicity of sapacitabine, a novel oral cytosine nucleoside analogue, in elderly patients with AML.In this randomised, phase 2 study, we recruited patients with AML who were either treatment naive or at first relapse and who were aged 70 years or older from 12 centres in the USA. We used a computer-generated randomisation sequence to randomly allocate eligible patients to receive one of three schedules of oral sapacitabine (1:1:1; stratified by a history of AML treatment): 200 mg twice a day for 7 days (group A); 300 mg twice a day for 7 days (group B); and 400 mg twice a day for 3 days each week for 2 weeks (group C). All schedules were given in 28 day cycles. To confirm the safety and tolerability of dosing schedules, after 20 patients had been treated in a group we enrolled an expanded cohort of 20-25 patients to that group if at least four patients had achieved complete remission or complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery, and if the 30 day death rate was 20% or less. Our primary endpoint was 1-year overall survival, analysed by intention-to-treat (ie, patients who have received at least one dose of sapacitabine) in those patients who had been randomly allocated to treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00590187.Between Dec 27, 2007, and April 21, 2009, we enrolled 105 patients: 86 patients were previously untreated and 19 were at first relapse. Of the 60 patients randomly allocated to treatment, 1-year overall survival was 35% (95% CI 16-59) in group A, 10% (2-33) in group B, and 30% (13-54) in group C. 14 (13%) of 105 patients died within 30 days and 27 (26%) died within 60 days. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were anaemia (eight of 40 patients in group A, 12 of 20 patients in group B, and 15 of 45 patients in group C), neutropenia (14 in group A, 10 in group B, 11 in group C), thrombocytopenia (24 in group A, 12 in group B, and 22 in group C), febrile neutropenia (16 in group A, nine in group B, and 22 in group C), and pneumonia (seven in group A, five in group B, and 10 in group C). The most common grade 5 events were pneumonia (two in group A, one in group B, and three in group C) and sepsis (six in group A, three in group B, and one in group C). Seven deaths were thought to be probably or possibly related to sapacitabine treatment.Sapacitabine seems active and tolerable in elderly patients with AML. The 400 mg dose schedule had the best efficacy profile. Future investigations should aim to combine sapacitabine with other low-intensity therapies in elderly patients with AML.Cyclacel Limited.

Abstract

To conduct a phase I dose-escalation trial assessing safety and response of recombinant immunotoxin moxetumomab pasudotox (CAT-8015, HA22) in chemotherapy-resistant hairy cell leukemia (HCL).Eligible patients had relapsed/refractory HCL after ? two prior therapies and required treatment because of abnormal blood counts. Patients received moxetumomab pasudotox 5 to 50 ?g/kg every other day for three doses (QOD ×3), with up to 16 cycles repeating at ? 4-week intervals if patients did not experience disease progression or develop neutralizing antibodies.Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, including three patients each at 5, 10, 20, and 30 ?g/kg, four patients at 40 ?g/kg, and 12 patients at 50 ?g/kg QOD ×3 for one to 16 cycles each (median, four cycles). Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed. Two patients had transient laboratory abnormalities consistent with grade 2 hemolytic uremic syndrome with peak creatinine of 1.53 to 1.66 mg/dL and platelet nadir of 106,000 to 120,000/?L. Drug-related toxicities in 25% to 64% of the 28 patients included (in decreasing frequency) grade 1 to 2 hypoalbuminemia, aminotransferase elevations, edema, headache, hypotension, nausea, and fatigue. Of 26 patients evaluable for immunogenicity, 10 patients (38%) made antibodies neutralizing more than 75% of the cytotoxicity of 1,000 ng/mL of immunotoxin, but this immunogenicity was rare (5%) after cycle 1. The overall response rate was 86%, with responses observed at all dose levels, and 13 patients (46%) achieved complete remission (CR). Only 1 CR lasted less than 1 year, with the median disease-free survival time not yet reached at 26 months.Moxetumomab pasudotox at doses up to 50 ?g/kg QOD ×3 has activity in relapsed/refractory HCL and has a safety profile that supports further clinical development for treatment of this disease.

Abstract

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) is a highly effective treatment for patients with relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL); its role as consolidation treatment for patients in first remission has not been defined. We randomized 481 patients (age ? 15 years) with untreated APL to either a standard induction regimen of tretinoin, cytarabine, and daunorubicin, followed by 2 courses of consolidation therapy with tretinoin plus daunorubicin, or to the same induction and consolidation regimen plus two 25-day courses of As(2)O(3) consolidation immediately after induction. After consolidation, patients were randomly assigned to one year of maintenance therapy with either tretinoin alone or in combination with methotrexate and mercaptopurine. Ninety percent of patients on each arm achieved remission and were eligible to receive their assigned consolidation therapy. Event-free survival, the primary end point, was significantly better for patients assigned to receive As(2)O(3) consolidation, 80% compared with 63% at 3 years (stratified log-rank test, P < .0001). Survival, a secondary end point, was better in the As(2)O(3) arm, 86% compared with 81% at 3 years (P = .059). Disease-free survival, a secondary end point, was significantly better in the As(2)O(3) arm, 90% compared with 70% at 3 years (P < .0001). The addition of As(2)O(3) consolidation to standard induction and consolidation therapy significantly improves event-free and disease-free survival in adults with newly diagnosed APL. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00003934).

Abstract

The 10-year overall survival for younger patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia has improved threefold in the past 2 decades. This improvement has occurred in large part because of advances in supportive care and efforts to optimize standard induction and consolidation therapies applied in a stratified approach based on predictors of individual patient risk. Innovations in diagnostic technologies have broadened the understanding of key prognostic factors, including cytogenetic and molecular status, which define the extensive interpatient heterogeneity of this clonal disease. Despite this progress, only approximately 25% of patients who experience a complete remission with cytotoxic chemotherapy (50%-70% of patients with newly diagnosed disease) remain disease-free. Efforts to develop novel agents are actively ongoing, particularly for older patients (age > or = 60), and targeted therapies, for specific subsets of patients are being based on a better understanding of the biology of the disease.

Abstract

Patients with Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a rapid disease course and a poor prognosis. Dasatinib, a novel, oral, multitargeted kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL and SRC family kinases, has previously induced responses in patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant Ph-positive ALL. We present the interim results of a phase 2 study designed to further assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dasatinib 140 mg in this patient population (n = 36). With a minimum follow-up of 8 months, treatment with dasatinib resulted in substantial hematologic and cytogenetic response rates. Major hematologic responses were achieved in 42% (15/36) of patients, 67% of whom remained progression-free. Complete cytogenetic responses were attained by 58% (21/36) of patients. The presence of BCR-ABL mutations conferring imatinib resistance did not preclude a response to dasatinib. Dasatinib was also tolerable, with 6% (2/36) of patients discontinuing therapy as a result of study-drug toxicity. Most adverse events (AEs) were grade 1 or 2; febrile neutropenia was the most frequent severe AE, but this and other cytopenias were manageable with dose reduction. Dasatinib represents a safe and effective treatment option and an important therapeutic advance for patients with Ph-positive ALL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #CA180015.

Abstract

Nelarabine (506U78) is a soluble pro-drug of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G), a deoxyguanosine derivative. We treated 26 patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and 13 with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) with nelarabine. All patients were refractory to at least one multiagent regimen or had relapsed after achieving a complete remission. Nelarabine was administered on an alternate day schedule (days 1, 3, and 5) at 1.5 g/m(2)/day. Cycles were repeated every 22 days. The median age was 34 years (range, 16-66 years); 32 (82%) patients were male. The rate of complete remission was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17%, 48%) and the overall response rate was 41% (95% CI, 26%, 58%). The principal toxicity was grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, occurring in 37% and 26% of patients, respectively. There was only one grade 4 adverse event of the nervous system, which was a reversible depressed level of consciousness. The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 20 weeks (95% CI, 11, 56), and the median overall survival was 20 weeks (95% CI, 13, 36). The 1-year overall survival was 28% (95% CI, 15%, 43%). Nelarabine is well tolerated and has significant antitumor activity in relapsed or refractory T-ALL and T-LBL.

Abstract

The prognosis for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in myeloid blast crisis (MBC) or lymphoid blast crisis (LBC) remains poor. Although imatinib can induce responses in a subset of these patients, resistance to the drug develops rapidly. Dasatinib is a novel, oral, multitargeted kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL and SRC family kinases. After promising phase 1 results, we report the results of phase 2 clinical trials of dasatinib in patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant blast crisis CML (MBC, n = 74; LBC, n = 42). At the 8-month follow-up, dasatinib induced major hematologic responses (MaHRs) in 34% and 31% of MBC- and LBC-CML patients and major cytogenetic responses (MCyRs) in 31% and 50% of these patients, respectively. Most (86%) of these MCyRs were complete cytogenetic responses (CCyRs). Responses were rapid and durable: 88% and 46%, respectively, of MBC- and LBC-CML patients achieving MaHR had not experienced disease progression at the 8-month follow-up. Response rates were similar in patients with and without BCR-ABL mutations known to confer resistance to imatinib. Dasatinib was well tolerated. Nonhematologic adverse events were mild to moderate. Cytopenias were common and could be managed by dose modification. Dasatinib is highly active and produces hematologic and cytogenetic responses in a significant number of patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant MBC- and LBC-CML. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #CA180006 and #CA180015.

Abstract

The majority of patients with systemic mast cell disease express the imatinib-resistant Asp816Val (D816V) mutation in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase. Limited treatment options exist for aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) and mast cell leukemia (MCL). We evaluated whether PKC412, a small-molecule inhibitor of KIT with a different chemical structure from imatinib, may have therapeutic use in advanced SM with the D816V KIT mutation. We treated a patient with MCL (with an associated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative disorder [MPD]) based on in vitro studies demonstrating that PKC412 could inhibit D816V KIT-transformed Ba/F3 cell growth with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 30 nM to 40 nM. The patient exhibited a partial response with significant resolution of liver function abnormalities. In addition, PKC412 treatment resulted in a significant decline in the percentage of peripheral blood mast cells and serum histamine level and was associated with a decrease in KIT phosphorylation and D816V KIT mutation frequency. The patient died after 3 months of therapy due to progression of her MDS/MPD to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This case indicates that KIT tyrosine kinase inhibition is a feasible approach in SM, but single-agent clinical efficacy may be limited by clonal evolution in the advanced leukemic phase of this disease.

Abstract

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and chronic eosinophilia leukemia (CEL) represent the most recent additions to the list of molecularly defined chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Beginning with the observation that imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) could elicit rapid and complete hematologic remissions in a proportion of patients with HES, a reverse bedside-to-bench translational research effort led to the discovery of FIP1L1-PDGFRA, a novel fusion gene on chromosome 4q12 whose product is an imatinib-sensitive protein tyrosine kinase. FIP1L1-PDGFRA is the first description of a gain-of-function fusion gene derived from an interstitial chromosomal deletion rather than a reciprocal translocation. Empiric use of imatinib in HES and CEL provides a dramatic example of how the development of targeted therapeutics can provide tremendous insight into the molecular etiology of what appear to be a diverse and otherwise indecipherable collection of diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of imatinib in HES/CEL and other malignancies characterized by constitutively activated tyrosine kinases, and examine molecular features of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion.

Abstract

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) comprise a spectrum of indolent to aggressive diseases characterized by unexplained, persistent hypereosinophilia. These disorders have eluded a unique molecular explanation, and therapy has primarily been oriented toward palliation of symptoms related to organ involvement. Recent reports indicate that HES and CEL are imatinib-responsive malignancies, with rapid and complete hematologic remissions observed at lower doses than used in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). These BCR-ABL-negative cases lack activating mutations or abnormal fusions involving other known target genes of imatinib, implicating a novel tyrosine kinase in their pathogenesis. A bedside-to-benchtop translational research effort led to the identification of a constitutively activated fusion tyrosine kinase on chromosome 4q12, derived from an interstitial deletion, that fuses the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha gene (PDGFRA) to an uncharacterized human gene FIP1-like-1 (FIP1L1). However, not all HES and CEL patients respond to imatinib, suggesting disease heterogeneity. Furthermore, approximately 40% of responding patients lack the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion, suggesting genetic heterogeneity. This review examines the current state of knowledge of HES and CEL and the implications of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA discovery on their diagnosis, classification, and management.

Abstract

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome involves a prolonged state of eosinophilia associated with organ dysfunction. It is of unknown cause. Recent reports of responses to imatinib in patients with the syndrome suggested that an activated kinase such as ABL, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), or KIT, all of which are inhibited by imatinib, might be the cause.We treated 11 patients with the hypereosinophilic syndrome with imatinib and identified the molecular basis for the response.Nine of the 11 patients treated with imatinib had responses lasting more than three months in which the eosinophil count returned to normal. One such patient had a complex chromosomal abnormality, leading to the identification of a fusion of the Fip1-like 1 (FIP1L1) gene to the PDGFRalpha (PDGFRA) gene generated by an interstitial deletion on chromosome 4q12. FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha is a constitutively activated tyrosine kinase that transforms hematopoietic cells and is inhibited by imatinib (50 percent inhibitory concentration, 3.2 nM). The FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene was subsequently detected in 9 of 16 patients with the syndrome and in 5 of the 9 patients with responses to imatinib that lasted more than three months. Relapse in one patient correlated with the appearance of a T674I mutation in PDGFRA that confers resistance to imatinib.The hypereosinophilic syndrome may result from a novel fusion tyrosine kinase - FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha - that is a consequence of an interstitial chromosomal deletion. The acquisition of a T674I resistance mutation at the time of relapse demonstrates that FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha is the target of imatinib. Our data indicate that the deletion of genetic material may result in gain-of-function fusion proteins.

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are characterized by a progressive accumulation of leukemic cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues. Treatment of CLL/SLL has evolved significantly in recent years because of the improved understanding of the disease biology and the development of novel targeted therapies. In patients with indications for initiating treatment, the selection of treatment should be based on the disease stage, patient's age and overall fitness (performance status and comorbid conditions), and cytogenetic abnormalities. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with CLL/SLL.

Abstract

High-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) remains a therapeutic challenge, with higher associated rates of early mortality and relapse than standard-risk APL. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plus arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a well-established treatment for patients with standard-risk APL, but it is not well defined for those with high-risk APL. In a prior study of patients with high-risk APL, the addition of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) to ATO plus ATRA suggested benefit. The SWOG Cancer Research Network conducted a phase 2 study to confirm the efficacy and safety of the combination of ATRA plus ATO plus GO in treating high-risk APL patients. The primary end points were 3-year event-free survival (EFS) and early (6-week) death rates associated with this combination. Seventy patients were treated. With a median follow-up of 3.4 years, the 3-year EFS and overall survival estimates were 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67%-86%) and 86% (95% CI, 75%-92%), respectively. Overall, 86% of patients achieved complete response. The 6-week mortality rate was 11%. The most common treatment-emergent toxicities during the induction phase included febrile neutropenia, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevation, hyperglycemia, hypoxia, headache, and prolonged QT interval corrected for heart rate. Retinoic acid syndrome occurred in 9% of patients. Approximately 37% of patients did not complete all planned courses of postremission therapy. The combination of ATRA plus ATO plus GO in high-risk APL patients was effective and generally well tolerated, suggesting an opportunity to offer a chemotherapy-free induction platform for patients with this disease. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00551460.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Certain genomic features, such as del(11q), expression of unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) gene, or complex karyotype, predict poorer outcomes to chemotherapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined the pooled long-term follow-up data from PCYC-1115 (RESONATE-2), PCYC-1112 (RESONATE), and CLL3001 (HELIOS), comprising a total of 1238 subjects, to determine the prognostic significance of these markers in patients treated with ibrutinib.RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 47 months, ibrutinib-treated patients had longer progression-free survival (PFS) than patients treated in the comparator arm, regardless of genomic risk factors. Among patients treated with ibrutinib, we found that high-risk genomic features were not associated with shorter PFS (63-75% across all subgroups at 42 months) or overall survival (79-83% across all subgroups at 42 months). Surprisingly, we observed that ibrutinib-treated patients with del(11q) actually had a significantly longer PFS than ibrutinib-treated patients without del(11q) (42-month PFS rate 70% vs. 65%, P= .02).CONCLUSION: These analyses not only demonstrate that genomic risk factors previously associated with poor outcomes lose their adverse prognostic significance but also that del(11q) can be associated with a superior PFS with ibrutinib therapy.

Abstract

Survival outcomes for older adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are poor and optimal management is challenging due to higher-risk leukemia genetics, comorbidities, and lower tolerance to intensive therapy. A critical understanding of these factors guides the selection of frontline therapies and subsequent treatment strategies. In addition, there have been recent developments in minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) testing and blinatumomab use in the context of MRD-positive disease after therapy. These NCCN Guidelines Insights discuss recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for ALL regarding upfront therapy in older adults and MRD monitoring/testing in response to ALL treatment.

Abstract

PURPOSE: A randomized, double-blind, phase III study of idelalisib (IDELA) plus rituximab versus placebo plus rituximab in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was terminated early because of superior efficacy of the IDELA-plus-rituximab (IDELA/R) arm. Patients in either arm could then enroll in an extension study to receive IDELA monotherapy. Here, we report the long-term efficacy and safety data for IDELA-treated patients across the primary and extension studies.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive rituximab in combination with either IDELA 150 mg twice daily (IDELA/R; n = 110) or placebo (placebo/R; n = 110). Key end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety.RESULTS: The long-term efficacy and safety of treatment with IDELA was assessed in 110 patients who received at least one dose of IDELA in the primary study, 75 of whom enrolled in the extension study. The IDELA/R-to-IDELA group had a median PFS of 20.3 months (95% CI, 17.3 to 26.3 months) after a median follow-up time of 18 months (range, 0.3 to 67.6 months). The ORR was 85.5% (94 of 110 patients; n = 1 complete response). The median OS was 40.6 months (95% CI, 28.5 to 57.3 months) and 34.6 months (95% CI, 16.0 months to not reached) for patients randomly assigned to the IDELA/R and placebo/R groups, respectively. Prolonged exposure to IDELA increased the incidence of all-grade, grade 2, and grade 3 or greater diarrhea (46.4%, 17.3%, and 16.4%, respectively), all-grade and grade 3 or greater colitis (10.9% and 8.2%, respectively) and all-grade and grade 3 or greater pneumonitis (10.0% and 6.4%, respectively) but did not increase the incidence of elevated hepatic aminotransferases.CONCLUSION: IDELA improved PFS and OS compared with rituximab alone in patients with relapsed CLL. Long-term IDELA was effective and had an expected safety profile. No new IDELA-related adverse events were identified with longer exposure.

Abstract

Ibrutinib, a once-daily oral inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, has greatly improved outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The phase 3 RESONATE, which compared single-agent ibrutinib to ofatumumab in high-risk, relapsed patients with CLL, provided support for approval of ibrutinib in the US and Europe. We describe long-term follow-up of patients treated in RESONATE, where continued superiority of progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.133; 95% CI, 0.099-0.178) was observed. Overall survival benefit continues (HR 0.591; 95% CI, 0.378-0.926), although with decreased magnitude relative to that seen before crossover to ibrutinib was implemented for patients on ofatumumab (HR 0.426; 95% CI, 0.220-0.823). Notably, overall response to ibrutinib increased over time with 91% of patients attaining a response. The PFS benefit with ibrutinib was independent of baseline risk factors, although patients with ?2 prior therapies had shorter PFS than those with <2 prior therapies, and presence of TP53 or SF3B1 mutations showed a trend toward shorter PFS versus without these factors. Median duration of ibrutinib was 41 months with 46% remaining on treatment at a median follow-up of 44 months. Grade ?3 adverse events generally decreased over time, causing only a small proportion of patients to cease therapy. Ibrutinib was discontinued due to progressive disease in 27% of patients. This long-term study provides support for sustained efficacy and safety of ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory CLL, and consideration of study provisions that allow crossover to investigational therapy when benefit has been clearly demonstrated. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01578707.

Abstract

The efficacy of ibrutinib has been demonstrated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including as first-line therapy. However, outcomes after ibrutinib discontinuation have previously been limited to higher-risk populations with relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of ibrutinib-treated patients based on prior lines of therapy, including after ibrutinib discontinuation. Data were analyzed from two multicenter phase 3 studies of single-agent ibrutinib: RESONATE (PCYC-1112) in patients with R/R CLL and RESONATE-2 (PCYC-1115) in patients with treatment-naive (TN) CLL without del(17p). This integrated analysis included 271 ibrutinib-treated non-del(17p) patients with CLL (136 TN and 135 R/R). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached for subgroups with 0 and 1/2 prior therapies but was 40.6 months for patients with ?3 therapies (median follow-up: TN, 36 months; R/R, 44 months). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached in any subgroup. Overall response rate (ORR) was 92% in TN and 92% in R/R, with depth of response increasing over time. Adverse events (AEs) and ibrutinib discontinuation due to AEs were similar between patient groups. Most patients (64%) remain on treatment. OS following discontinuation was 9.3 months in R/R patients (median follow-up 18 months, n=51) and was not reached in TN patients (median follow-up 10 months, n=30). In this integrated analysis, ibrutinib was associated with favorable PFS and OS, and high ORR regardless of prior therapies in patients with CLL. The best outcomes following ibrutinib discontinuation were for patients receiving ibrutinib in earlier lines of therapy. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01578707, NCT01722487. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia among adults and accounts for the largest number of annual deaths due to leukemias in the United States. Recent advances have resulted in an expansion of treatment options for AML, especially concerning targeted therapies and low-intensity regimens. This portion of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for AML focuses on the management of AML and provides recommendations on the workup, diagnostic evaluation and treatment options for younger (age <60 years) and older (age ?60 years) adult patients.

Abstract

To define the efficacy of venetoclax with extended follow-up and identify clinical or biological treatment-effect modifiers, updated data for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) enrolled in four early phase trials were pooled. Rates of response, complete remission (CR/CRi) and undetectable minimal residual disease (U-MRD) were analyzed for all patients (n=436) and for those patients who were planned to receive 400 mg/day monotherapy (n=347). Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the pretreatment factors associated with response rates and duration of response (DoR). Objective responses were documented in 75% of all patients, including 22% CR/CRi. Overall, 27% and 16% achieved U-MRD in blood and marrow, respectively. Estimated median progression-free survival (PFS), DoR, and time-to-progression were 30.2, 38.4, and 36.9 months, respectively. Similar efficacy outcomes were observed within the 400 mg/day monotherapy subset. For those who achieved CR/CRi, the 3-year PFS estimate was 83%. DoR was superior for patients achieving CR/CRi or U-MRD in landmark analyses. In multiple regression analyses, bulky lymphadenopathy ({greater than or equal to}5cm), and refractoriness to B-cell receptor inhibitor (BCRi) therapy were significantly associated with lower CR rate and shorter DoR. Fewer prior therapies were associated with higher CR rate, but not DoR. Chromosome 17p deletion and/or TP53 mutation, and NOTCH1 mutation were consistently associated with shorter DoR but not probability of response. Thus, both pretreatment factors and depth of response correlated with DoR with venetoclax. Patients without bulky lymphadenopathy, BCRi-refractory CLL, or an adverse mutation profile had the most durable benefit.

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is generally characterized by an indolent disease course. Histologic transformation (also known as Richter's transformation) to more aggressive lymphomas, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma, occurs in approximately 2% to 10% of patients and is associated with a poor prognosis. These NCCN Guidelines Insights discuss the recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with histologic transformation.

Abstract

Ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved for treatment of various B-cell malignancies. In ibrutinib clinical studies, low-grade haemorrhage was common, whereas major haemorrhage (MH) was infrequent. We analysed the incidence of and risk factors for MH from 15 ibrutinib clinical studies (N=1768), including 4 randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Rates of any-grade bleeding were similar for single-agent ibrutinib and ibrutinib combinations (39% and 40%). Low-grade bleeding was more common in ibrutinib-treated than comparator-treated patients (35% and 15%), and early low-grade bleeding was not associated with MH. The proportion of MH in RCTs was higher with ibrutinib than comparators (4.4% vs. 2.8%), but after adjusting for longer exposure with ibrutinib (median 13months vs. 6months), the incidence of MH was similar (3.2 vs. 3.1 per 1000 person-months). MH led to treatment discontinuation in 1% of all ibrutinib-treated patients. Use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets (AC/AP) during the study was common (~50% of patients) and had an increased exposure-adjusted relative risk for MH in both the total ibrutinib-treated population (1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.0) and RCT comparator-treated patients (2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-5.6), indicating that ibrutinib may not alter the effect of AC/AP on the risk of MH in B-cell malignancies.

Abstract

Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This first-in-class inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase has become a standard treatment for patients with CLL and MCL.We conducted an integrated safety analysis to characterize the frequency, severity, natural history, and outcomes of adverse events (AEs) with ibrutinib versus comparators. Data were pooled from 4 completed randomized controlled studies that had included 756 ibrutinib-treated and 749 comparator-treated patients with CLL/SLL or relapsed/refractory MCL. Safety analyses included reporting of AEs using crude and exposure-adjusted incidence rates.The median treatment duration was 13.3 months (maximum, 28.2 months) for ibrutinib and 5.8 months (maximum, 27.3 months) for comparators. When adjusted for exposure, diarrhea, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension were the only common grade ? 3 AEs more often reported with ibrutinib than with the comparators. Dose reductions (7% vs. 14%) and discontinuation (12% vs. 16%) because of AEs occurred less often with ibrutinib, and deaths due to AEs occurred at similar rates (6% vs. 7%). When adjusted for exposure, the corresponding data were all lower with ibrutinib than with the comparators (0.06 vs. 0.22, 0.11 vs. 0.22, and 0.06 vs. 0.09 patient-exposure-years, respectively). The prevalence of common grade 3/4 AEs with ibrutinib generally decreased over time, with the exception of hypertension.These results from an integrated analysis support a favorable benefit/risk profile of ibrutinib in patients with CLL/SLL and MCL.

Abstract

A study of vincristine sulfate (VCR) liposome injection (VSLI) was conducted in patients with advanced, relapsed, or refractory, Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic/lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). A retrospective subgroup analysis of the results was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VSLI in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients.Of the 65 patients treated in the pivotal Phase 2 Study HBS407 (NCT00495079), 44 patients were aged ?39 years (median 27 [range 19-39] years) and were included in this analysis. Patients received VSLI (2.25?mg/m2 intravenously every 7?±?3 days) without dose capping or concurrent steroid administration in continuous 28-day cycles.VSLI was well tolerated in the AYA patients over a median of 5 (range 1-15) doses administered. One-third of patients (36%) experienced treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) with peripheral neuropathy (7%), tumor lysis syndrome (7%), and febrile neutropenia (5%) in >1 patient. Neuropathy-associated AEs occurred in 82% patients; no neuropathy-related deaths occurred. The rate of complete remission (CR) (with or without complete blood count recovery) by investigator assessment was 25% in AYA patients, and the overall response rate was 39%. Median leukemia-free survival in AYA patients attaining CR was 135 (range 32-463) days, and median overall survival was 141 (range 13-620) days.VSLI provided a meaningful clinical benefit to AYA patients with ALL, and its safety profile was comparable to that of VCR despite the delivery of higher doses (individual and cumulative).

Abstract

Ibrutinib is a novel oral therapy that has shown significant efficacy as initial treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is a high-cost continuous therapy differing from other regimens that are given for much shorter courses. Our objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ibrutinib for first-line treatment of CLL in patients older than age 65 years without a 17p deletion. We developed a semi-Markov model to analyze the cost-effectiveness of ibrutinib vs a comparator therapy from a US Medicare perspective. No direct comparison between ibrutinib and the best available treatment alternative, obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil (chemoimmunotherapy), exists. Therefore, we compared ibrutinib to a theoretical treatment alternative, which was modeled to confer the effectiveness of an inferior treatment (chlorambucil alone) and the costs and adverse events of chemoimmunotherapy, which would provide ibrutinib with the best chance of being cost-effective. Even so, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of ibrutinib vs the modeled comparator was $189?000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. To reach a willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP) of $150?000 per QALY, the monthly cost of ibrutinib would have to be at most $6800, $1700 less than the modeled cost of $8500 per month (a reduction of $20?400 per year). When the comparator efficacy is increased to more closely match that seen in trials evaluating chemoimmunotherapy, ibrutinib costs more than $262?000 per QALY gained, and the monthly cost of ibrutinib would need to be lowered to less than $5000 per month to be cost-effective. Ibrutinib is not cost-effective as initial therapy at a WTP threshold of $150?000 per QALY gained.

Abstract

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) with deletion 17p [del(17p)] have poor outcomes with chemoimmunotherapy. Ibrutinib is indicated for the treatment of CLL/SLL, including del(17p) CLL/SLL, and allows for treatment without chemotherapy. This integrated analysis was performed to evaluate outcomes in 230 patients with relapsed/refractory del(17p) CLL/SLL from three ibrutinib studies. With a median of 2 prior therapies (range, 1-12), 18% and 79% of evaluable patients had del(11q) or unmutated IGHV, respectively. With a median follow-up of 28 months, overall response rate was 85% and estimated 30-month progression-free and overall survival rates were 57% [95% confidence interval (CI) 50-64] and 69% (95% CI 61-75), respectively. Patients with normal lactate dehydrogenase or no bulky disease had the most favourable survival outcomes. Sustained haematological improvements in haemoglobin, platelet count and absolute neutrophil count occurred in 61%, 67% and 70% of patients with baseline cytopenias, respectively. New onset severe cytopenias and infections decreased in frequency over time. Progression-free and overall survival with ibrutinib surpass those of other therapies for patients with del(17p) CLL/SLL. These results provide further evidence of the robust clinical activity of ibrutinib in difficult-to-treat CLL/SLL populations.

Abstract

Patients may be deemed ineligible for a clinical trial for reasons that do not directly impact efficacy or safety. We identified reasons for ineligibility and compared outcomes of ineligible with eligible patients treated on Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Leukemia Committee protocols. Patients enrolled in SWOG phase 2, 2/3, or 3 protocols open since 2005 were analyzed for eligibility status, reasons for ineligibility, baseline characteristics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), serious adverse events (SAEs), complete remission (CR) status, and overall survival. A total of 2361 patients were enrolled in the 13 included studies. Of these, 247 (10%) were deemed ineligible; 78 were excluded from analyses, and 169 were included. Of the 169 included in analyses, 60% (101/169) were excluded due to missing baseline documentation. Baseline characteristics comparing ineligible to eligible patients were similar, with the exception of ECOG PS for S0325 (P = .02) and S0530 (P = .002). In multivariable analyses, neither the proportion of patients with ECOG PS ? 2 (P = .12) nor the rate of grade 5 SAEs (P = .62) differed between groups. There was no difference in survival between eligible and ineligible patients (P = .25), and CR rates were similar, with the exception of S0325 (P < .001) and S0703 (P = .004). The findings of this study suggest that nonessential eligibility criteria can be less restrictive, thus expanding patient enrollment and avoiding protocol deviations. The clinical trials included in this study were registered at www.clincialtrials.gov as #NCT00085709, #NCT00066794, #NCT00070499, #NCT00109837, #NCT00093418, #NCT00492856, #NCT00337168, #NCT00352365, #NCT00658814, #NCT00792948, #NCT00945815, #NCT00840177, and #NCT01522976.

Abstract

Ibrutinib, a first-in-class Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor taken once daily, is approved in the United States for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and allows for treatment without chemotherapy. Extended treatment with ibrutinib has demonstrated increased complete response (CR) rates over time.To analyze baseline factors that predict CR in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma treated with ibrutinib.Univariate and multivariate analyses of pooled data from 2 clinical trials were used to assess the prognostic value of baseline factors associated with CR in 327 patients from the PCYC-1102 and PCYC-1112 studies treated with single-agent ibrutinib. Participants were followed up in academic and community medical centers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Spain, and Austria.Odds ratio (OR) of CR rate.The 327 patients included in this analysis had a median age of 67 years (range, 30-86 years) and 227 (69.4%) were male. At baseline, 185 patients (56.6%) had bulky disease (lymph node ?5 cm), 184 (56.3%) had advanced-stage disease, and 182 (55.7%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 or higher. Thirty-one patients (9.5%) were in the first-line setting; 38 (11.6%) had undergone 1 previous therapy, 81 (24.8%) had undergone 2, and 177 (54.1%) had undergone 3 or more; patients with relapsed/refractory disease had undergone a median of 3 (range, 0-12) previous therapies. Median time on study was 26.4 months (range, 0.3-55.6 months). Thirty-two of the 327 patients (9.8%) treated with ibrutinib had a CR (PCYC-1102: relapsed/refractory, 12 of 101 [11.9%]; treatment-naive, 8 of 31 [25.8%]; and PCYC-1112: 12 of 195 [6.2%]). The median time to CR for these patients was 14.7 months (range, 4.6-47.1 months). Univariate analysis of baseline factors showed that bulky disease, clinical stage, number of previous therapies, and ?2-microglobulin concentration had a significant effect on the odds of CR. The final multivariate model showed that patients with no previous therapy vs patients with at least 1 previous therapy (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.01-6.95; P?=?.047) and patients without bulky disease (lymph node <5 cm) vs those with bulky disease (lymph node ?5 cm [OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.91-12.91; P?=?.001]) had an increased likelihood of CR.Patients receiving ibrutinib as a first-line therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and those without bulky disease had a better likelihood of CR to treatment. The CR rate with continued longer-term ibrutinib treatment was higher than in previous reports.clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01105247 and NCT01578707.

Abstract

Pevonedistat (TAK-924/MLN4924) is a novel inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) with single-agent activity in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We performed a phase 1b study of pevonedistat (PEV) with azacitidine (AZA) based on synergistic activity seen preclinically. Primary objectives included safety and tolerability, and secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics (PK) and disease response. Patients ?60 years with treatment-naive AML (unfit for standard induction therapy) received PEV 20 or 30 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 3, and 5 combined with fixed-dose AZA (75 mg/m2 IV/subcutaneously) on days 1 to 5, 8, and 9, every 28 days. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were constipation (48%), nausea (42%), fatigue (42%), and anemia (39%). In total, 11 deaths were observed and considered unrelated to study therapy by the investigators. Transient elevations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were dose limiting. The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of PEV in this combination is 20 mg/m2 PEV PK was not altered by the addition of AZA. Overall response rate (ORR) based on an intent-to-treat analysis was 50% (20 complete remissions [CRs], 5 complete remission with incomplete peripheral count recovery, 7 partial remissions [PRs]), with an 8.3-month median duration of remission. In patients receiving ?6 cycles of therapy (n = 23, 44%), ORR was 83%. In patients with TP53 mutations, the composite CR/PR rate was 80% (4/5). Two of these patients stayed on study for >10 cycles. Baseline bone marrow blast percentage or cytogenetic/molecular risk did not influence ORR. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01814826.

Abstract

This phase 1 study investigated the safety of the anthracycline amrubicin combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. A standard 3?+?3 design was used. Patients received intravenous amrubicin 40-80 mg/m2 on day one, lenalidomide 15 mg orally on days 1-14, and dexamethasone 40 mg orally weekly on 21 day cycles. 14 patients were enrolled, and completed a median of three cycles. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. One patient experienced dose limiting toxicity of dizziness and diarrhea. The most frequent non-hematologic toxicity was infection (79%). Serious adverse events included cord compression and sepsis. Three patients (21%) had a partial response or better, and seven (50%) had stable disease. The median duration of response was 4.4 months, and the median progression-free survival was 3 months. Amrubicin combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, was safe and demonstrated clinical activity in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01355705.

Abstract

In the phase 3 RESONATE(TM) study, ibrutinib demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and overall response rate (ORR) compared with ofatumumab in relapsed/refractory CLL patients with high-risk prognostic factors. We report updated results from RESONATE in these traditionally chemotherapy resistant high-risk genomic subgroups at a median follow-up of 19 months. Mutations were detected by Foundation One Heme Panel. Baseline mutations in the ibrutinib arm included TP53 (51%), SF3B1 (31%), NOTCH1 (28%), ATM (19%), and BIRC3 (14%). Median PFS was not reached, with 74% of patients randomized to ibrutinib alive and progression-free at 24 months. The improved efficacy of ibrutinib vs. ofatumumab continues in all prognostic subgroups including del17p and del11q. No significant difference within the ibrutinib arm was observed for PFS across most genomic subtypes, although a subset carrying both TP53 mutation and del17p had reduced PFS compared to patients with neither abnormality. Reduced PFS or OS was not evident in patients with only del17p. PFS was significantly better for ibrutinib-treated patients in second-line vs. later lines of therapy. The robust clinical activity of ibrutinib continues to show ongoing efficacy and acceptable safety consistent with prior reports, independent of various known high-risk mutations.Leukemia accepted article preview online, 08 June 2017. doi:10.1038/leu.2017.175.

Abstract

Bleeding events have been observed among a subgroup of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients treated with ibrutinib. We analysed data from two studies of single-agent ibrutinib to better characterize bleeding events and pattern of anticoagulation and antiplatelet use. Among 327 ibrutinib-treated patients, concomitant anticoagulation (11%) or antiplatelet use (34%) was common, but major bleeding was infrequent (2%). Bleeding events were primarily grade 1, and infrequently (1%) led to discontinuation. Among 175 patients receiving concomitant anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents, 5 had major bleeding events (3%). These events were typically observed in conjunction with other factors, such as coexisting medical conditions and/or concurrent medications.

Abstract

Idelalisib, a selective inhibitor of PI3K?, is approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in combination with rituximab. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of idelalisib in combination with a second-generation anti-CD20 antibody, ofatumumab, in a similar patient population.In this global, open-label, randomised, controlled phase 3 trial, we enrolled patients with relapsed CLL progressing less than 24 months from last therapy. Patients refractory to ofatumumab were excluded. Patients were stratified by relapsed versus refractory disease, presence or absence of del(17p) or TP53 mutation, or both, and IGHV mutated versus unmutated. We randomised patients in a 2:1 ratio using a web-based interactive system that generated a unique treatment code, and assigned patients to receive either idelalisib plus ofatumumab (oral idelalisib 150 mg twice daily continuously plus ofatumumab 300 mg intravenously in week 1, then 1000 mg intravenously weekly for 7 weeks, and every 4 weeks for 16 weeks) or ofatumumab alone (ofatumumab dosing as per the combination group, except 2000 mg was substituted for the 1000 mg dose). An independent review committee assessed response, including progressive disease, based on imaging using modified International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia 2008 criteria. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival assessed by an independent review committee in the intention-to-treat population. We did a primary analysis (data cutoff Jan 15, 2015) and an updated analysis (data cutoff Sept 1, 2015). This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01659021.Between Dec 17, 2012, and March 31, 2014, we enrolled 261 patients (median age 68 years [IQR 61-74], median previous therapies three [IQR 2-4]). At the primary analysis, median progression-free survival was 16·3 months (95% CI 13·6-17·8) in the idelalisib plus ofatumumab group and 8·0 months (5·7-8·2) in the ofatumumab group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·27, 95% CI 0·19-0·39, p<0·0001). The most frequent grade 3 or worse adverse events in the idelalisib plus ofatumumab group were neutropenia (59 [34%] patients vs 14 [16%] in the ofatumumab group), diarrhoea (34 [20%] vs one [1%]), and pneumonia (25 [14%] vs seven [8%]). The most frequent grade 3 or worse adverse events in the ofatumumab group were neutropenia (14 [16%]), pneumonia (seven [8%]), and thrombocytopenia (six [7%] vs 19 [11%] in the idelalisib plus ofatumumab group). Serious infections were more common in the idelalisib plus ofatumumab group and included pneumonia (23 [13%] patients in the idelalisib plus ofatumumab group vs nine [10%] in the ofatumumab group), sepsis (11 [6%] vs one [1%]), and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (eight [5%] vs one [1%]). 22 treatment-related deaths occurred in the idelalisib plus ofatumumab group (the most common being sepsis, septic shock, viral sepsis, and pneumonia). Six treatment-related deaths occurred in the ofatumumab group (the most common being progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and pneumonia).The idelalisib plus ofatumumab combination resulted in better progression-free survival compared with ofatumumab alone in patients with relapsed CLL, including in those with high-risk disease, and thus might represent a new treatment alternative for this patient population.Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Abstract

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is commonly complicated by a complex coagulopathy. Uncertainty remains as to which markers of bleeding risk are independent predictors. Drawing from 5 large clinical trials that included all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as part of induction, we assessed known determinants of bleeding at baseline and evaluated them as potential predictors of hemorrhagic death (HD) in the first 30 days of treatment. The studies included were ALLG APML3 (single arm of ATRA + idarubicin ± prednisone), ALLG APML4 (single arm of ATRA + idarubicin + arsenic trioxide + prednisone), CALGB C9710 (single arm of ATRA + cytarabine + daunorubicin), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ECOG-ACRIN) E2491 (intergroup I0129, consisting of daunorubicin + cytarabine vs ATRA), and SWOG S0521 (single-arm induction of ATRA + cytarabine + daunorubicin). A total of 1009 patients were included in the original trials, of which 995 had sufficient data to be included in our multivariate analysis. In this final cohort, there were 37 HD cases during the first 30 days following induction, for an estimated cumulative incidence of 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6% to 5.0%). Using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, the hazard ratio of HD in the first 30 days was 2.17 (95% CI, 0.84-5.62) for an ECOG performance status of 3-4 vs 0-2 and 5.20 (95% CI, 2.70-10.02) for a white blood cell count of ?20?000/?L vs <20?000/?L. In this large cohort of APL patients, high white blood cell count emerged as an independent predictor of early HD.

Abstract

Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has advanced with the introduction of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) agents that have improved the outcomes of frontline therapy. However, most treated patients will relapse and require subsequent therapy. This review focuses on recent advances in the treatment of relapsed or refractory CLL. Until recently, treatment options for relapsed CLL were of limited efficacy. Retreatment with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) was recommended for patients with a durable response to first-line FCR, although acquired genetic aberrations, impaired marrow reserve, and comorbidities often made this suboptimal therapy for many patients. New options include two agents targeting B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways (ibrutinib and idelalisib) and a B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitor (venetoclax). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a potentially curative option for younger patients with a suitable donor.

Abstract

The first-in-class Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib has proven clinical benefit in B-cell malignancies; however, atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported in 6-16% of ibrutinib patients. We pooled data from 1505 chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma patients enrolled in four large, randomized, controlled studies to characterize AF with ibrutinib and its management. AF incidence was 6.5% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.8, 8.5] for ibrutinib at 16.6-months versus 1.6% (95%CI: 0.8, 2.8) for comparator and 10.4% (95%CI: 8.4, 12.9) at the 36-month follow up; estimated cumulative incidence: 13.8% (95%CI: 11.2, 16.8). Ibrutinib treatment, prior history of AF and age 65 years or over were independent risk factors for AF. Multiple AF events were more common with ibrutinib (44.9%; comparator, 16.7%) among patients with AF. Most (85.7%) patients with AF did not discontinue ibrutinib, and more than half received common anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications on study. Low-grade bleeds were more frequent with ibrutinib, but serious bleeds were uncommon (ibrutinib, 2.9%; comparator, 2.0%). Although the AF rate among older non-trial patients with comorbidities is likely underestimated by this dataset, these results suggest that AF among clinical trial patients is generally manageable without ibrutinib discontinuation (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01578707, 01722487, 01611090, 01646021).

Abstract

Ibrutinib, a potent and irreversible small-molecule inhibitor of both Bruton's tyrosine kinase and interleukin-2 inducible kinase (ITK), has been used to treat relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with prolongation of progression-free and overall survival. Here, we present 27 patients with relapsed CLL following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) who subsequently received ibrutinib salvage therapy. Sixteen of these patients were part of multi-institutional clinical trials and achieved an overall response rate of 87.5%. An additional 11 patients were treated at Stanford University following US Food and Drug Administration approval of ibrutinib; 7 (64%) achieved a complete response, and 3 (27%) achieved a partial response. Of the 9 patients treated at Stanford who had mixed chimerism-associated CLL relapse, 4 (44%) converted to full donor chimerism following ibrutinib initiation, in association with disease response. Four of 11 (36%) patients evaluated by ClonoSeq achieved minimal residual disease negativity with CLL <1/10?000 white blood cells, which persisted even after ibrutinib was discontinued, in 1 case even after 26 months. None of the 27 patients developed graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) following ibrutinib initiation. We postulate that ibrutinib augments the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) benefit through a T-cell-mediated effect, most likely due to ITK inhibition. To investigate the immune modulatory effects of ibrutinib, we completed comprehensive immune phenotype characterization of peripheral B and T cells from treated patients. Our results show that ibrutinib selectively targets pre-germinal B cells and depletes Th2 helper cells. Furthermore, these effects persisted after drug discontinuation. In total, our results provide evidence that ibrutinib effectively augments GVL without causing GVHD.

Abstract

Deletion of chromosome 17p (del[17p]) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia confers very poor prognosis when treated with standard chemo-immunotherapy. Venetoclax is an oral small-molecule BCL2 inhibitor that induces chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cell apoptosis. In a previous first-in-human study of venetoclax, 77% of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia achieved an overall response. Here we aimed to assess the activity and safety of venetoclax monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory del(17p) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.In this phase 2, single-arm, multicentre study, we recruited patients aged 18 years and older with del(17p) relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (as defined by 2008 Modified International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia guidelines) from 31 centres in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Poland, and Australia. Patients started once daily venetoclax with a weekly dose ramp-up schedule (20, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg) over 4-5 weeks. Patients were then given daily 400 mg continuous dosing until disease progression or discontinuation for another reason. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an overall response, assessed by an independent review committee. Activity and safety analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of study drug (per protocol). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01889186. Follow-up is ongoing, and patients are still receiving treatment.Between May 27, 2013, and June 27, 2014, 107 patients were enrolled into the study. At a median follow-up of 12·1 months (IQR 10·1-14·2), an overall response by independent review was achieved in 85 (79·4%; 95% CI 70·5-86·6) of 107 patients. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (43 [40%]), infection (21 [20%]), anaemia (19 [18%]), and thrombocytopenia (16 [15%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 59 (55%) patients, irrespective of their relationship to treatment, with the most common (?5% of patients) being pyrexia and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (seven [7%] each), pneumonia (six [6%]), and febrile neutropenia (five [5%]). 11 patients died in the study within 30 days of the last dose of venetoclax; seven due to disease progression and four from an adverse event (none assessed as treatment related).Results of this trial show that venetoclax monotherapy is active and well tolerated in patients with relapsed or refractory del(17p) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, providing a new therapeutic option for this very poor prognosis population. Additionally, in view of the distinct mechanism-of-action of venetoclax, combinations or sequencing with other novel targeted agents should be investigated to further advance treatment of del(17p) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.AbbVie and Genentech.

Abstract

Pralatrexate inhibits folic acid metabolism, and preclinical studies have shown that it is cytotoxic to multiple myeloma cells. This phase 1 study investigated the safety and efficacy of pralatrexate in combination with bortezomib in adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. A standard 3 + 3 design was used. Patients received intravenous pralatrexate at doses ranging from 10 to 30 mg/m(2) and intravenous bortezomib at a dose of 1·3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 4-week cycle. Eleven patients were enrolled and completed a median of two cycles. The maximum tolerated dose was 20 mg/m(2) . Two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity of mucositis. The most frequent non-haematological toxicities were fatigue (55%) and mucositis (45%). There were three serious adverse events in three patients: rash, sepsis and hypotension. One patient (9%) had a very good partial response, 1 (9%) had a partial response, 1 (9%) had minimal response and two (18%) had progressive disease. The median duration of response was 4 months, the median time to next treatment was 3·4 months and the median time to progression was 4 months. Pralatrexate, in combination with bortezomib, was generally safe and demonstrated modest activity in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01114282.

Abstract

The outcome of sequential azacitidine with lenalidomide has not been reported in previously treated patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We describe a phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of this combination in elderly patients with AML and MDS with prior hypomethylating agent (HMA) and/or immunomodulatory agent exposure. Patients were treated on a 42-day cycle with azacitidine at 75 mg/m2 SQ/IV daily on days 1-7, followed by lenalidomide 50 mg orally daily on days 8-28. Median number of treatment cycles on study was two (range, 1-11). Of 32 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 25%. Neutropenic fever was the most common serious adverse event, but overall the combination was well-tolerated. The median overall survival (OS) for responders versus non-responders was 9.8 versus 4.0 months, respectively (HR 0.36, p=0.016). In conclusion, this combination demonstrated modest clinical activity in this poor risk population.

Abstract

The outcome of sequential azacitidine with lenalidomide has not been reported in previously treated patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We describe a phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of this combination in elderly patients with AML and MDS with prior hypomethylating agent (HMA) and/or immunomodulatory agent exposure. Patients were treated on a 42-day cycle with azacitidine at 75 mg/m2 SQ/IV daily on days 1-7, followed by lenalidomide 50 mg orally daily on days 8-28. Median number of treatment cycles on study was two (range, 1-11). Of 32 evaluable patients, the overall response rate was 25%. Neutropenic fever was the most common serious adverse event, but overall the combination was well-tolerated. The median overall survival (OS) for responders versus non-responders was 9.8 versus 4.0 months, respectively (HR 0.36, p=0.016). In conclusion, this combination demonstrated modest clinical activity in this poor risk population.

Abstract

Telomeres are the capping ends of chromosomes that protect the loss of genetic material and prevent chromosomal instability. In human tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells, telomere length (TL) is maintained by the telomerase complex, which consists of a reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit (TERT) and an RNA template (TERC). Very short telomeres and loss-of-function mutations in the TERT and TERC genes have been reported in acute myeloid leukemia, but the role of telomeres in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has not been well established. We report the results for a large cohort of 187 PML/RAR?-positive APL patients. No germline mutations in the TERT or TERC genes were identified. Codon 279 and 1062 TERT polymorphisms were present at a frequency similar to that in the general population. TL measured in blood or marrow mononuclear cells at diagnosis was significantly shorter in the APL patients than in healthy volunteers, and shorter telomeres at diagnosis were significantly associated with high-risk disease. For patients who achieved complete remission, the median increase in TL from diagnosis to remission (delta TL) was 2.0 kilobase (kb), and we found delta TL to be the most powerful predictor of overall survival when compared with well-established risk factors for poor outcomes in APL.

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) primarily affects older persons who often have coexisting conditions in addition to disease-related immunosuppression and myelosuppression. We conducted an international, open-label, randomized phase 3 trial to compare two oral agents, ibrutinib and chlorambucil, in previously untreated older patients with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma.We randomly assigned 269 previously untreated patients who were 65 years of age or older and had CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma to receive ibrutinib or chlorambucil. The primary end point was progression-free survival as assessed by an independent review committee.The median age of the patients was 73 years. During a median follow-up period of 18.4 months, ibrutinib resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than did chlorambucil (median, not reached vs. 18.9 months), with a risk of progression or death that was 84% lower with ibrutinib than that with chlorambucil (hazard ratio, 0.16; P<0.001). Ibrutinib significantly prolonged overall survival; the estimated survival rate at 24 months was 98% with ibrutinib versus 85% with chlorambucil, with a relative risk of death that was 84% lower in the ibrutinib group than in the chlorambucil group (hazard ratio, 0.16; P=0.001). The overall response rate was higher with ibrutinib than with chlorambucil (86% vs. 35%, P<0.001). The rates of sustained increases from baseline values in the hemoglobin and platelet levels were higher with ibrutinib. Adverse events of any grade that occurred in at least 20% of the patients receiving ibrutinib included diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and nausea; adverse events occurring in at least 20% of those receiving chlorambucil included nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, anemia, and vomiting. In the ibrutinib group, four patients had a grade 3 hemorrhage and one had a grade 4 hemorrhage. A total of 87% of the patients in the ibrutinib group are continuing to take ibrutinib.Ibrutinib was superior to chlorambucil in previously untreated patients with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma, as assessed by progression-free survival, overall survival, response rate, and improvement in hematologic variables. (Funded by Pharmacyclics and others; RESONATE-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01722487.).

Abstract

Idelalisib is a highly specific small-molecule phosphoinositide-3-kinase ? inhibitor that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. The known side effects of idelalisib include severe diarrhea and colitis. Here we report the histologic findings in idelalisib-associated enterocolitis in 11 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or follicular lymphoma receiving idelalisib over a 5-year period (2011 to 2015) at our institution. All 11 patients were receiving idelalisib and underwent colonoscopy for the evaluation of diarrhea. None of the patients had previously received a stem cell transplant. Histologically, the colon biopsies in all 11 cases showed some degree of apoptosis within crypts, with 5 cases showing moderate to severe apoptosis involving the majority of the crypts with loss of goblet cells. No viral inclusions were seen in any case and immunohistochemical stains for cytomegalovirus performed in 9/11 cases were negative. All cases showed at least focal acute cryptitis, and 8 of these cases showed mild architectural distortion. Increased inflammation within the lamina propria was seen in 7 cases, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes within crypts was seen in 8 cases; the lymphocytes were mostly T cells with a predominance of CD8 T cells, with the majority expressing the ?/? T-cell receptor. Diagnoses of graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune enteropathy, infectious enterocolitis, and although thought to be less likely, inflammatory bowel disease were considered in each case. The presence of numerous intraepithelial lymphocytes in addition to severe villous blunting and apoptosis in the small intestinal biopsies from a subset of these patients additionally raised the possibility of autoimmune enteropathy, common variable immunodeficiency, or less likely, celiac disease. Awareness of the histologic features of idelalisib-associated enterocolitis is important to distinguish it from potential mimics, particularly graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune enteropathy, and cytomegalovirus/infectious enterocolitis.

Abstract

Idelalisib is a first-in-class selective, oral, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3K?) inhibitor approved for the treatment of several types of blood cancer. Idelalisib has demonstrated significant efficacy and a tolerable safety profile in clinical trials. However, the US prescribing information contains a black box warning for fatal and/or severe diarrhea or colitis, hepatotoxicity, pneumonitis and intestinal perforation. An expert panel was convened to review the pathology of these treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) to propose key management tools for patients receiving idelalisib therapy. This article provides an overview of idelalisib TEAEs reported in clinical trials, and a summary of the panel's recommendations for identification and management of idelalisib treatment-emergent diarrhea or colitis as well as a discussion of transaminitis and pneumonitis. For idelalisib-related diarrhea or colitis (including unresolved grade 2 and grade ? 3), after exclusion of infectious causes, the panel recommends individualized treatment with budesonide or oral or intravenous steroid therapy.

Abstract

Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) continues to advance, as evidenced by the improved risk stratification of patients and development of newer treatment options. Identification of ALL subtypes based on immunophenotyping and cytogenetic and molecular markers has resulted in the inclusion of Philadelphia-like ALL and early T-cell precursor ALL as subtypes that affect prognosis. Identification of Ikaros mutations has also emerged as a prognostic factor. In addition to improved prognostication, treatment options for patients with ALL have expanded, particularly with regard to relapsed/refractory ALL. Continued development of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the emergence of immunotherapy, including blinatumomab and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, have improved survival. Furthermore, incorporation of minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring has shown insight into patient outcomes and may lead to treatment modification or alternative treatment strategies in select populations. This excerpt focuses on the sections of the ALL guidelines specific to clinical presentation and diagnosis, treatment of relapsed/refractory ALL, and incorporation of MRD monitoring. To view the most recent complete version of these guidelines, visit NCCN.org.

Abstract

Ibrutinib is an orally administered inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase that antagonizes B-cell receptor, chemokine, and integrin-mediated signaling. In early-phase studies, ibrutinib demonstrated high response rates and prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The durable responses observed with ibrutinib relate in part to a modest toxicity profile that allows the majority of patients to receive continuous therapy for an extended period. We report on median 3-year follow-up of 132 patients with symptomatic treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Longer treatment with ibrutinib was associated with improvement in response quality over time and durable remissions. Toxicity with longer follow-up diminished with respect to occurrence of grade 3 or greater cytopenias, fatigue, and infections. Progression remains uncommon, occurring primarily in some patients with relapsed del(17)(p13.1) and/or del(11)(q22.3) disease. Treatment-related lymphocytosis remains largely asymptomatic even when persisting >1 year and does not appear to alter longer-term PFS and overall survival compared with patients with partial response or better. Collectively, these data provide evidence that ibrutinib controls CLL disease manifestations and is well tolerated for an extended period; this information can help direct potential treatment options for different subgroups to diminish the long-term risk of relapse.

Abstract

Idelalisib is a first-in-class oral inhibitor of PI3K? that has shown substantial activity in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). To evaluate idelalisib as initial therapy, 64 treatment-naïve older patients with CLL or small lymphocytic leukemia (median age, 71 years; range, 65-90) were treated with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) weekly ×8 and idelalisib 150 mg twice daily continuously for 48 weeks. Patients completing 48 weeks without progression could continue to receive idelalisib on an extension study. The median time on treatment was 22.4 months (range, 0.8-45.8+). The overall response rate (ORR) was 97%, including 19% complete responses. The ORR was 100% in patients with del(17p)/TP53 mutations and 97% in those with unmutated IGHV. Progression-free survival was 83% at 36 months. The most frequent (>30%) adverse events (any grade) were diarrhea (including colitis) (64%), rash (58%), pyrexia (42%), nausea (38%), chills (36%), cough (33%), and fatigue (31%). Elevated alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase was seen in 67% of patients (23% grade ?3). The combination of idelalisib and rituximab was highly active, resulting in durable disease control in treatment-naïve older patients with CLL. These results support the further development of idelalisib as initial treatment of CLL. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT01203930.

Abstract

The survival of patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is poor. We performed a retrospective analysis of 40 patients treated with five days of mitoxantrone 8mg/m(2)/day, etoposide 100mg/m(2)/day, and cytarabine 1000mg/m(2)/day (MEC). The complete remission rate was 30% and median remission duration was 11.2 months. Median overall survival was 6.5 months. In univariate analysis, patients in first relapse had improved overall survival compared to ?second relapse (p=0.02). Thirty-day mortality rate was 7.5%. In relapsed or refractory ALL, MEC demonstrated moderate activity, but did not improve survival compared to published salvage chemotherapy regimens.

Abstract

The survival of patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is poor. We performed a retrospective analysis of 40 patients treated with five days of mitoxantrone 8mg/m(2)/day, etoposide 100mg/m(2)/day, and cytarabine 1000mg/m(2)/day (MEC). The complete remission rate was 30% and median remission duration was 11.2 months. Median overall survival was 6.5 months. In univariate analysis, patients in first relapse had improved overall survival compared to ?second relapse (p=0.02). Thirty-day mortality rate was 7.5%. In relapsed or refractory ALL, MEC demonstrated moderate activity, but did not improve survival compared to published salvage chemotherapy regimens.

Abstract

In a phase 1 trial, idelalisib (GS-1101, CAL-101), a selective inhibitor of the lipid kinase PI3K?, was evaluated in 54 patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with adverse characteristics including bulky lymphadenopathy (80%), extensive prior therapy (median 5 [range 2-14] prior regimens), treatment-refractory disease (70%), unmutated IGHV (91%), and del17p and/or TP53 mutations (24%). Patients were treated at 6 dose levels of oral idelalisib (range 50-350 mg once or twice daily) and remained on continuous therapy while deriving clinical benefit. Idelalisib-mediated inhibition of PI3K? led to abrogation of Akt phosphorylation in patient CLL cells and significantly reduced serum levels of CLL-related chemokines. The most commonly observed grade ?3 adverse events were pneumonia (20%), neutropenic fever (11%), and diarrhea (6%). Idelalisib treatment resulted in nodal responses in 81% of patients. The overall response rate was 72%, with 39% of patients meeting the criteria for partial response per IWCLL 2008 and 33% meeting the recently updated criteria of PR with treatment-induced lymphocytosis.(1,2) The median progression-free survival for all patients was 15.8 months. This study demonstrates the clinical utility of inhibiting the PI3K? pathway with idelalisib. Our findings support the further development of idelalisib in patients with CLL. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00710528 and #NCT01090414.

Abstract

Precursor B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (pre-B ALLs) comprise the majority of ALLs and virtually all blasts express CD22 in the cytoplasm and on the cell surface. In the present study (Southwestern Oncology Group S0910), we evaluated the addition of epratuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD22, to the combination of clofarabine and cytarabine in adults with relapsed/refractory pre-B ALL. The response rate [complete remission and complete remission with incomplete count recovery] was 52%, significantly higher than our previous trial with clofarabine/cytarabine alone, where the response rate was 17%. This result is encouraging and suggests a potential benefit to adding epratuzumab to chemotherapy for ALL; however, a randomized trial will be needed to answer this question.

Abstract

Aa total of 105 patients (age ?18 years) with newly diagnosed low or intermediate risk acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) were treated with a standard induction and consolidation regimen including arsenic trioxide (ATO). Sixty-eight patients who were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative for PML-RARA post-consolidation were randomized to either 1 year of maintenance with tretinoin, mercaptopurine and methotrexate, or observation. Enrollment in this non-inferiority trial was stopped prematurely due to slow accrual. With a median follow up of 36·1 months, the overall survival of the 105 patients was 93%, and there have been no relapses in the patients randomized to maintenance or observation. These results demonstrate that cures can be expected in >90% of patients with low and intermediate risk APL and suggest that maintenance therapy may not be needed if patients are treated with an intensive post-remission regimen including ATO. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00492856.

Abstract

Patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have clinically significant coexisting medical conditions are less able to undergo standard chemotherapy. Effective therapies with acceptable side-effect profiles are needed for this patient population.In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of idelalisib, an oral inhibitor of the delta isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in combination with rituximab versus rituximab plus placebo. We randomly assigned 220 patients with decreased renal function, previous therapy-induced myelosuppression, or major coexisting illnesses to receive rituximab and either idelalisib (at a dose of 150 mg) or placebo twice daily. The primary end point was progression-free survival. At the first prespecified interim analysis, the study was stopped early on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board owing to overwhelming efficacy.The median progression-free survival was 5.5 months in the placebo group and was not reached in the idelalisib group (hazard ratio for progression or death in the idelalisib group, 0.15; P<0.001). Patients receiving idelalisib versus those receiving placebo had improved rates of overall response (81% vs. 13%; odds ratio, 29.92; P<0.001) and overall survival at 12 months (92% vs. 80%; hazard ratio for death, 0.28; P=0.02). Serious adverse events occurred in 40% of the patients receiving idelalisib and rituximab and in 35% of those receiving placebo and rituximab.The combination of idelalisib and rituximab, as compared with placebo and rituximab, significantly improved progression-free survival, response rate, and overall survival among patients with relapsed CLL who were less able to undergo chemotherapy. (Funded by Gilead; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01539512.).

Abstract

This trial tested the safety and efficacy of a regimen consisting of hydroxyurea followed by azacitidine, 75 mg/m(2) for 7 days, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin, 3 mg/m(2) on day 8, in older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia. Those achieving a complete remission received 1 consolidation treatment followed by 4 cycles of azacitidine. The patients were stratified into good-risk (age 60-69 years or performance status 0-1) and poor-risk (age ?70 years and performance status 2 or 3) groups. Specific efficacy and safety goals were defined as being supportive of further study of the regimen. Eighty-three patients were registered in the good-risk cohort and 59 in poor-risk cohort, with median age of 71 and 75 years, respectively. In the good-risk group, 35 patients (44%) achieved a complete remission. Median relapse-free and overall survivals were 8 and 11 months, respectively. Six patients (8%) died within 30 days of registration. In the poor-risk group, 19 (35%) achieved a complete remission. Median relapse-free and overall survivals were 7 and 11 months, respectively. Seven patients (14%) died early. The results of this trial met predefined goals for efficacy and safety for the poor-risk cohort but not the good-risk group. .

Abstract

Panobinostat is an oral pan-deacetylase inhibitor that synergizes with bortezomib to inhibit both the aggresome and proteasome pathways in preclinical studies. PANORAMA 2 is a phase 2 trial of panobinostat in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone to treat patients with relapsed and bortezomib-refractory multiple myeloma (with ?2 prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory drug, and patients who had progressed on or within 60 days of the last bortezomib-based therapy). Fifty-five heavily pretreated patients were enrolled (median, 4 prior regimens, including a median of 2 prior bortezomib-containing regimens). The overall response rate was 34.5% (1 near-complete response and 18 partial responses). An additional 10 patients achieved minimal response, for a clinical benefit rate of 52.7%. Median exposure and progression-free survival were 4.6 and 5.4 months, respectively. In patients who achieved a response, median time to response was 1.4 months, and median duration of response was 6.0 months. Common grade 3/4 adverse events, regardless of study drug relationship, included thrombocytopenia (63.6%), fatigue (20.0%), and diarrhea (20.0%). Only 1 patient had grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. Panobinostat, when combined with bortezomib and dexamethasone, can recapture responses in heavily pretreated, bortezomib-refractory multiple myeloma patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01083602.

Abstract

These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize several key updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and discuss the clinical evidence that support the recommendations. The updates described in this article focus on the acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) section, featuring recommendations for additional induction/consolidation regimens in patients with low- or intermediate-risk APL, and providing guidance on maintenance strategies for APL.

Abstract

These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize several key updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and discuss the clinical evidence that support the recommendations. The updates described in this article focus on the acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) section, featuring recommendations for additional induction/consolidation regimens in patients with low- or intermediate-risk APL, and providing guidance on maintenance strategies for APL.

Abstract

There are limited treatment options for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and prognosis of these patients remains poor, thereby warranting development of novel therapies. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of azacitidine in combination with lenalidomide as front-line therapy for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Patients ? 60 years of age with untreated acute myeloid leukemia received azacitidine 75 mg/m2 for 7 days followed by escalating doses of lenalidomide daily for 21 days starting on day 8 of each cycle every 6 weeks. Patients received continued therapy until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or completion of 12 cycles. Forty-two patients (median age, 74 years) were enrolled with equal distribution according to European LeukemiaNet risk. The overall response rate was 40% (rate of complete remission with or without complete recovery of blood counts = 28%). The median time to complete remission with or without complete recovery of blood counts was 12 weeks, and duration of this status was 28 weeks (range, 4 - >104 weeks). Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia and a high score on the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index were negative predictors of response. Early death was noted in 17% of patients. Grades ? 3 toxicities were uncommon and most adverse events were gastrointestinal, fatigue and myelosuppression. In conclusion, a sequential combination of azacitidine plus lenalidomide has clinical activity in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia, and further studies of this combination are underway.

Abstract

Relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with high reinduction mortality, chemotherapy resistance, and rapid progression leading to death. Vincristine sulfate liposome injection (VSLI), sphingomyelin and cholesterol nanoparticle vincristine (VCR), facilitates VCR dose-intensification and densification plus enhances target tissue delivery. We evaluated high-dose VSLI monotherapy in adults with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) -negative ALL that was multiply relapsed, relapsed and refractory to reinduction, and/or relapsed after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).Sixty-five adults with Ph-negative ALL in second or greater relapse or whose disease had progressed following two or more leukemia therapies were treated in this pivotal phase II, multinational trial. Intravenous VSLI 2.25 mg/m(2), without dose capping, was administered once per week until response, progression, toxicity, or pursuit of HCT. The primary end point was achievement of complete response (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi).The CR/CRi rate was 20% and overall response rate was 35%. VSLI monotherapy was effective as third-, fourth-, and fifth-line therapy and in patients refractory to other single- and multiagent reinduction therapies. Median CR/CRi duration was 23 weeks (range, 5 to 66 weeks); 12 patients bridged to a post-VSLI HCT, and five patients were long-term survivors. VSLI was generally well tolerated and associated with a low 30-day mortality rate (12%).High-dose VSLI monotherapy resulted in meaningful clinical outcomes including durable responses and bridging to HCT in advanced ALL settings. The toxicity profile of VSLI was predictable, manageable, and comparable to standard VCR despite the delivery of large, normally unachievable, individual and cumulative doses of VCR.

Abstract

We investigated the prognostic impact of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) following induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Patients with ALC ?350 cells/?L at day 28 had a median overall survival (OS) of 47.4 months when compared with 17.6 months for those with an ALC <350 cells/?L (HR = 1.98, P = 0.007). Among patients who achieved a complete remission, median event-free survival (EFS) for those with ALC ?350 cells/?L on day 28 was 42.1 months when compared with 13.9 months in those with ALC <350 cells/?L (HR = 2.08, P = 0.006). In multivariable analysis, the ALC on day 28 (<350 cells/?L vs. ?350 cells/?L, P ? .0004 for OS and EFS) along with WBC at diagnosis (?6.0 or >30.0 K/?L vs. >6.0-30.0 K/?L, P ? 0.002 for OS and EFS) and cytogenetics (abnormal vs. normal, P = 0.002 for OS and P = 0.02 for EFS) were independent prognostic factors of both OS and EFS. Combining these three factors segregates patients in three well-defined risk groups. These data suggest that ALC can be used in combination with other prognostic features to better predict outcome and that targeting the immune system to improve ALC may be a worthwhile strategy in ALL.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains the most common form of acute leukemia among adults and accounts for the largest number of annual deaths due to leukemias in the United States. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for AML provide recommendations on the diagnostic evaluation and workup for AML, risk assessment based on cytogenetic and molecular features, treatment options for induction and consolidation therapies for younger and older (age ? 65 years) adult patients, and key supportive care considerations.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains the most common form of acute leukemia among adults and accounts for the largest number of annual deaths due to leukemias in the United States. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for AML provide recommendations on the diagnostic evaluation and workup for AML, risk assessment based on cytogenetic and molecular features, treatment options for induction and consolidation therapies for younger and older (age ? 65 years) adult patients, and key supportive care considerations.

Abstract

The inaugural NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were developed as a result of meetings convened by a multi-disciplinary panel of experts in 2011. These NCCN Guidelines provide recommendations on the diagnostic evaluation and workup for ALL, risk assessment, risk-stratified treatment approaches based on the Philadelphia chromosome status and age (adults vs. adolescents/young adults), assessment of minimal residual disease, and supportive care considerations. It is recommended that patients be treated at specialized centers with expertise in the management of ALL.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease of the elderly. Poor outcomes with standard therapies necessitate novel approaches. Outpatient regimens sufficiently potent and well tolerated to induce remissions and enable continuation therapy may be beneficial. In this phase-1 study, we determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the efficacy for sequential azacitidine and lenalidomide as remission induction and continuation therapy in elderly, previously untreated patients. We investigated the impact on global DNA methylation and bone marrow cytokines, and sought biological predictors of response. Eighteen patients were enrolled. The MTD was not reached. Median follow-up was 8.2 months (10.3 months for survivors). Common adverse events included fatigue, injection site reactions, constipation, nausea, pruritus and febrile neutropenia. Ten patients responded (56%), and the rate of complete remissions (CRs) or CRs with incomplete recovery of blood counts for evaluable patients was 44% (7/16). The median response duration was 6.2 months. DNA demethylation and changes in bone marrow cytokines were observed; responders had a unique cytokine profile and a trend towards lower methylation levels. Sequential azacitidine and lenalidomide was well tolerated with encouraging clinical and biological activity in previously untreated elderly AML patients. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00890929).

Abstract

Based on clinical activity in phase 2 studies, lenalidomide was evaluated in a phase 2/3 study in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Following tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) complications, the protocol was amended to a phase 1 study to identify the maximum tolerated dose-escalation level (MTDEL). Fifty-two heavily pretreated patients, 69% with bulky disease and 48% with high-risk genomic abnormalities, initiated lenalidomide at 2.5 mg/day, with dose escalation until the MTDEL or the maximum assigned dose was attained. Lenalidomide was safely titrated to 20 mg/day; the MTDEL was not reached. Most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia; TLS was mild and rare. The low starting dose and conservative dose escalation strategy resulted in six partial responders and 30 patients obtaining stable disease. In summary, lenalidomide 2.5 mg/day is a safe starting dose that can be titrated up to 20 mg/day in patients with CLL.

Abstract

Early mortality in acute promyelocytic leukemia has been reported to occur in less than 10% of patients treated in clinical trials. This study reports the incidence and clinical features of acute promyelocytic leukemia patients treated at Stanford Hospital, CA, USA since March 1997, focusing on early mortality. We show that the risk of early death in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients is higher than previously reported. In a cohort of 70 patients who received induction therapy at Stanford Hospital, 19% and 26% died within seven and 30 days of admission, respectively. High early mortality was not limited to our institution as evaluation of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Database demonstrated that 30-day mortality for acute promyelocytic leukemia averaged 20% from 1977-2007 and did not improve significantly over this interval. Our findings show that early death is now the greatest contributor to treatment failure in this otherwise highly curable form of leukemia.

Abstract

Temozolomide sensitivity is determined by methylation of the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. This study assessed whether the temozolomide dose can be tailored by MGMT promoter status and whether protracted, low-dose temozolomide can "prime" blasts in patients with unmethylated MGMT (unMGMT). Elderly patients with high-risk AML were stratified by MGMT methylation. Patients with methylated MGMT (mMGMT) received temozolomide 200 mg/m(2) orally for 7 days every 4 weeks, while patients with unMGMT received temozolomide 100 mg/m(2) orally for 14 days followed by 200 mg/m(2) orally for 7 days every 6weeks. Of 36 patients (median age, 75 years), 31 (86%) had an unMGMT promoter. Overall response rate for the entire cohort was 36%. Patients with mMGMT and unMGMT had similar response rates (40% vs. 29%). Median duration of response and overall survival (OS) among responders were 29 and 35 weeks, respectively. Induction deaths (ID) occurred in 25% of patients, mostly caused by disease progression. Hematological toxicities were the most common adverse event. Toxicities were similar between patients on conventional versus protracted schedules. High HCT-CI scores were predictive of lower CR rate, higher ID, and shorter OS, while bone marrow blast count <50% at screening predicted for improved responses. Temozolomide, dosed according to MGMT methylation status, demonstrated modest clinical activity in elderly patients with AML, especially in those presenting with fewer comorbidities and low disease burden. The trial was registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT00611247.

Abstract

This phase I trial was conducted to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of monoclonal antibody 216, a human monoclonal Immunoglobulin M antibody targeting a linear B-cell lactosamine antigen, administered alone and in combination with vincristine in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and to preliminarily assess tumor targeting and efficacy.Three cohorts of patients received escalating doses of monoclonal antibody 216 administered as an intravenous infusion. In the case of poor response to the first dose of monoclonal antibody 216 alone, defined as less than 75% reduction in peripheral blood blast count, a second dose of the antibody with vincristine was given between days 4 and 7. Responses were assessed weekly until day 35. Serum concentration of monoclonal antibody 216 was measured before and after infusion. Monoclonal antibody 216 targeting was determined with an anti-idiotypic antibody to monoclonal antibody 216 and preliminary efficacy was analyzed by changes in peripheral blood blasts.Thirteen patients were enrolled. One episode of grade 3 epistaxis was the only dose-limiting toxicity observed. All patients showed a poor response to the first monoclonal antibody 216 infusion with a decrease in peripheral blasts from 6-65% in 9 patients. In 8 patients, addition of vincristine to monoclonal antibody 216 resulted in an average reduction of the peripheral blasts of 81%. One patient without peripheral blasts achieved a hypoplastic marrow without evidence of leukemia after one infusion of monoclonal antibody 216 and monoclonal antibody 216/vincristine each. Monoclonal antibody 216 was detected on peripheral blasts in all patients.Treatment with monoclonal antibody 216 in combination with vincristine is feasible and well tolerated in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Binding of monoclonal antibody 216 to leukemic blasts was efficient, and favorable early responses were observed.

Abstract

In a randomized trial of therapy for FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) mutant acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse, 224 patients received chemotherapy alone or followed by 80 mg of the FLT3 inhibitor lestaurtinib twice daily. Endpoints included complete remission or complete remission with incomplete platelet recovery (CR/CRp), overall survival, safety, and tolerability. Correlative studies included pharmacokinetics and analysis of in vivo FLT3 inhibition. There were 29 patients with CR/CRp in the lestaurtinib arm and 23 in the control arm (26% vs 21%; P = .35), and no difference in overall survival between the 2 arms. There was evidence of toxicity in the lestaurtinib-treated patients, particularly those with plasma levels in excess of 20 ?M. In the lestaurtinib arm, FLT3 inhibition was highly correlated with remission rate, but target inhibition on day 15 was achieved in only 58% of patients receiving lestaurtinib. Given that such a small proportion of patients on this trial achieved sustained FLT3 inhibition in vivo, any conclusions regarding the efficacy of combining FLT3 inhibition with chemotherapy are limited. Overall, lestaurtinib treatment after chemotherapy did not increase response rates or prolong survival of patients with FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00079482.

Abstract

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), which is largely mediated by natural killer (NK) cells, is thought to play an important role in the efficacy of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) used to treat patients with B-cell lymphomas. CD137 is a costimulatory molecule expressed on a variety of immune cells after activation, including NK cells. In the present study, we show that an anti-CD137 agonistic mAb enhances the antilymphoma activity of rituximab by enhancing ADCC. Human NK cells up-regulate CD137 after encountering rituximab-coated tumor B cells, and subsequent stimulation of these NK cells with anti-CD137 mAb enhances rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity against the lymphoma cells. In a syngeneic murine lymphoma model and in a xenotransplanted human lymphoma model, sequential administration of anti-CD20 mAb followed by anti-CD137 mAb had potent antilymphoma activity in vivo. These results support a novel, sequential antibody approach against B-cell malignancies by targeting first the tumor and then the host immune system.

Abstract

Haematological patients with neutropenic fever are frequently evaluated with chest computed tomography (CT) to rule out invasive fungal infections (IFI). We retrospectively analysed data from 100 consecutive patients with neutropenic fever and abnormal chest CT from 1998 to 2005 to evaluate their chest CT findings and the yield of diagnostic approaches employed. For their initial CTs, 79% had nodular opacities, with 24.1% associated with the halo sign. Other common CT abnormalities included pleural effusions (48%), ground glass opacities (37%) and consolidation (31%). The CT findings led to a change in antifungal therapy in 54% of the patients. Fifty-six patients received diagnostic procedures, including 46 bronchoscopies, 25 lung biopsies and seven sinus biopsies, with a diagnostic yield for IFI of 12.8%, 35.0% and 83.3%, respectively. In conclusion, chest CT plays an important role in the evaluation of haematological patients with febrile neutropenia and often leads to a change in antimicrobial therapy. Pulmonary nodules are the most common radiological abnormality. Sinus or lung biopsies have a high-diagnostic yield for IFI as compared to bronchoscopy. Patients with IFI may not have sinus/chest symptoms, and thus, clinicians should have a low threshold for performing sinus/chest imaging, and if indicated and safe, a biopsy of the abnormal areas.

Abstract

Clofarabine and cytarabine target different steps in DNA synthesis and replication, are synergistic in vivo, and have non-overlapping toxicities, making this combination a potentially promising treatment for acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Thirty-seven patients were treated. The median age was 41 years, 44% of patients were either in ?2nd relapse or had refractory disease and 59% of patients had poor risk cytogenetics. Six out of 36 patients (17%) achieved a complete remission with or without complete count recovery; median overall survival was 3 months. Nucleoside transporter expression did not predict outcome. This regimen lacked sufficient activity to warrant further testing.

Abstract

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) as a distinct clinical entity was first described only 50 years ago. The last twenty years are notable for rapid advances in understanding the molecular basis of the disease as well as dramatic improvements in treating APL. A new classification system that stratifies patients by risk has also lead to dramatic improvement in managing the disease. Molecular monitoring for minimal residual disease holds great promise for continued improvement in decreasing relapse risk. We are now able to tailor our therapy based on risk of relapse, and ongoing clinical trials use this risk-adapted framework in an attempt to further improve outcomes.

Abstract

SNS-032 is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) 2, 7, and 9, with in vitro growth inhibitory effects and ability to induce apoptosis in malignant B cells. A phase I dose-escalation study of SNS-032 was conducted to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, biomarkers of mechanism-based pharmacodynamic (PD) activity, and clinical efficacy.Parallel cohorts of previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM) received SNS-032 as a loading dose followed by 6-hour infusion weekly for 3 weeks of each 4-week course.There were 19 patients with CLL and 18 with MM treated. Tumor lysis syndrome was the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) for CLL, the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was 75 mg/m(2), and the most frequent grade 3 to 4 toxicity was myelosuppression. One patient with CLL had more than 50% reduction in measurable disease without improvement in hematologic parameters. Another patient with low tumor burden had stable disease for four courses. For patients with MM, no DLT was observed and MTD was not identified at up to 75 mg/m(2), owing to early study closure. Two patients with MM had stable disease and one had normalization of spleen size with treatment. Biomarker analyses demonstrated mechanism-based PD activity with inhibition of Cdk7 and Cdk9, decreases in Mcl-1 and XIAP expression level, and associated CLL cell apoptosis.SNS-032 demonstrated mechanism-based target modulation and limited clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients with CLL and MM. Further single-agent, PD-based, dose and schedule modification is warranted to maximize clinical efficacy.

Abstract

Lenalidomide gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with dexamethasone in June 2006. In April 2005, the FDA and patient advocacy groups requested an expanded access programme to both provide lenalidomide to patients likely to benefit and obtain additional safety information. Relapsed/refractory MM patients received lenalidomide 25 mg/d (days 1-21) and dexamethasone 40 mg/d (days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20 of cycles 1-4; days 1-4 only from cycle 5 onwards), in 4-week cycles until disease progression, study drug discontinuation, or lenalidomide approval. Of the 1438 patients enrolled, approximately 60% were male, median age was 64 years, and 61.7% had Durie-Salmon stage III disease. Median time on study was 15.4 weeks (range: 0.1-49.1) and median dose was 25 mg. The most common adverse events (AEs) were haematological (49%), gastrointestinal (59%), and fatigue (55%). The most common grade > or =3 AEs were haematological (45%), fatigue (10%), and pneumonia (7%). The most common serious AEs were pneumonia (8%), pyrexia (4%), and deep-vein thrombosis (3%). Primary cause of death was disease progression (10%). Safety data confirmed known AEs of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in the acute postoperative setting is a recently recognized syndrome that, similar to classic or idiopathic TTP, presents variably with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal failure, and mental status changes. Though most reports of postoperative TTP are in conjunction with cardiac or vascular surgery, it has also been reported following orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.We present a case of a 53 year-old female diagnosed with metastatic poorly differentiated endometrial cancer who developed TTP the day following her cytoreductive cancer surgery.To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of postoperative TTP following gynecologic cancer surgery. Because the presentation can be confused with other early postoperative complications, awareness of this syndrome is essential as initiation of plasmapheresis can be life-saving.

Abstract

The eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) predicts for improved outcome. However, the wide variety of MRD techniques makes it difficult to interpret and compare different clinical trials. Our aim was to develop a standardized flow cytometric CLL-MRD assay and compare it to real-time quantitative allele-specific oligonucleotide (RQ-ASO) Immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Analysis of 728 paired blood and marrow samples demonstrated high concordance (87%) for patients off-therapy. Blood analysis was equally or more sensitive than marrow in 92% of samples but marrow analysis was necessary to detect MRD within 3 months of alemtuzumab therapy. Assessment of 50 CLL-specific antibody combinations identified three (CD5/CD19 with CD20/CD38, CD81/CD22 and CD79b/CD43) with low inter-laboratory variation and false-detection rates. Experienced operators demonstrated an accuracy of 95.7% (specificity 98.8%, sensitivity 91.1%) in 141 samples with 0.01-0.1% CLL. There was close correlation and 95% concordance with RQ-ASO IgH-PCR for detection of CLL above 0.01%. The proposed flow cytometry approach is applicable to all sample types and therapeutic regimes, and sufficiently rapid and sensitive to guide therapy to an MRD-negativity in real time. These techniques may be used as a tool for assessing response and comparing the efficacy of different therapeutic approaches.

Abstract

A 34-year-old nulligravid woman experienced hemorrhage after each of 2 oocyte retrievals. Initial coagulopathy screening was negative. Treatments used during in vitro fertilization likely interfered with assay performance. Reevaluation remote from medications confirmed the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease. Treatments used during in vitro fertilization may increase bleeding risk and confound coagulopathy evaluation.

Abstract

New therapeutic modalities have substantially improved response rates and outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), yet the mindset remains that palliation is the only goal of therapy because the disease is considered incurable. Ultimately, all patients relapse despite achieving an initial response, as minimal residual disease (MRD) persisting after therapy eventually evolves into morphological and clinical recurrence. The emergence of immune-based combination therapies capable of inducing molecular remissions, the availability of highly sensitive assays that detect MRD, and emerging data showing a longer duration of response or longer survival in patients with no detectable disease, suggest that eradicating MRD may be a reasonable option for some patients. Moreover, novel biological prognostic markers have divided CLL into favourable and unfavourable subtypes, arguing in favour of defining different goals of therapy for different patients. Clinicians are increasingly challenged with the task of how best to incorporate MRD assessment into clinical practice, especially in an era when these novel prognostic factors exist. This review summarises the current understanding of MRD from a clinical standpoint, suggests that MRD eradication maybe a reasonable option for some patients, and argues in favour of designing large randomised studies to determine whether MRD-negative remission improves outcome.

Abstract

Systemic amyloidosis can result in a coagulopathy that is associated with low levels of factor X. We present a case of intractable, life-threatening hematuria that was successfully managed with activated recombinant human factor VII and splenectomy.

Abstract

New insights into prognostic markers and the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are beginning to change the concept of CLL treatment. Alemtuzumab has evolved as a potent and effective therapeutic option for patients with CLL. Specifically, alemtuzumab has demonstrated substantial efficacy in fludarabine-refractory patients and has shown impressive responses when administered subcutaneously in first-line therapy. A group of experts gathered to discuss new data related to the use of alemtuzumab in CLL and to assess its place in the rapidly changing approach to treating patients with this disease. The main goals of this program were to update the management guidelines that were previously developed for alemtuzumab-treated patients and to provide community oncologists with guidance on the most effective way to integrate alemtuzumab into a CLL treatment plan.

Abstract

We report a transfusion trial of platelets photochemically treated for pathogen inactivation using the synthetic psoralen amotosalen HCl. Patients with thrombocytopenia were randomly assigned to receive either photochemically treated (PCT) or conventional (control) platelets for up to 28 days. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 bleeding during the period of platelet support. A total of 645 patients (318 PCT and 327 control) were evaluated. The primary end point, the incidence of grade 2 bleeding (58.5% PCT versus 57.5% control), and the secondary end point, the incidence of grade 3 or 4 bleeding (4.1% PCT versus 6.1% control), were equivalent between the 2 groups (P =.001 by noninferiority). The mean 1-hour posttransfusion platelet corrected count increment (CCI) (11.1 x 10(3) PCT versus 16.0 x 10(3) control), average number of days to next platelet transfusion (1.9 PCT versus 2.4 control), and number of platelet transfusions (8.4 PCT versus 6.2 control) were different (P

Abstract

An expert opinion roundtable held August 8-9, 2002, brought together clinicians with the most extensive experience with the use of alemtuzumab to pool knowledge and develop treatment goals and guidelines for optimal therapy. By sharing our collective experience, we have been able to formulate recommendations for current clinical practice, which are included in this report, and have emphasized results that have implications for future practice. Guidelines for the management of acute "first-dose" events, prophylaxis for infection, detection and treatment of cytomegalovirus reactivation, and hematologic support are presented, with emphasis on allowing patients to proceed smoothly through therapy while maximizing therapeutic benefit. Management of adverse events is facilitated by the predictable timing of their appearance. In general, hematologic adverse events are transient, manageable, and reversible. Clinicians should be cautious of prematurely terminating treatment at 4-6 weeks in patients whose disease responds to treatment. Although resolution of peripheral blood lymphocytosis occurs early in most patients, bone marrow is unlikely to be clear of disease. In particular, grade 4 neutropenia at this time is common and, because it is manageable, it is not an indication to discontinue treatment. The eradication of minimal residual disease from blood and bone marrow observed with alemtuzumab therapy is a major step forward in the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Combination therapies such as alemtuzumab/fludarabine with the potential to maximize eradication at all disease sites should be systematically investigated. Because high response rates and few complications are observed in previously untreated patients, the use of alemtuzumab earlier in therapy may provide optimum benefit to patients.

Abstract

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and chronic eosinophilia leukemia (CEL) represent the most recent additions to the list of molecularly defined chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Beginning with the observation that imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) could elicit rapid and complete hematologic remissions in a proportion of patients with HES, a reverse bedside-to-bench translational research effort led to the discovery of FIP1L1-PDGFRA, a novel fusion gene on chromosome 4q12 whose product is an imatinib-sensitive protein tyrosine kinase. FIP1L1-PDGFRA is the first description of a gain-of-function fusion gene derived from an interstitial chromosomal deletion rather than a reciprocal translocation. Empiric use of imatinib in HES and CEL provides a dramatic example of how the development of targeted therapeutics can provide tremendous insight into the molecular etiology of what appear to be a diverse and otherwise indecipherable collection of diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of imatinib in HES/CEL and other malignancies characterized by constitutively activated tyrosine kinases, and examine molecular features of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion.

Abstract

FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha causes hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and is inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib (Gleevec). Imatinib is a potent inhibitor of ABL, ARG, PDGFRalpha, PDGFRbeta, and KIT and induces durable hematologic responses in HES patients. However, we observed relapse with resistance to imatinib as consequence of a T674I mutation in FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha, analogous to the imatinib-resistant T315I mutation in BCR-ABL. We developed a murine bone marrow transplant model of FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha-induced myeloproliferative disease to evaluate the efficacy of PKC412, an alternative inhibitor of PDGFRalpha, for the treatment of HES. PKC412 is effective for treatment of FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha-induced disease and of imatinib-induced resistance due to the T674I mutation. Our data establish PKC412 as molecularly targeted therapy for HES and other diseases expressing activated PDGFRalpha and demonstrate the potential of alternative kinase inhibitors to overcome resistance in target tyrosine kinases.

Abstract

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare mature T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. While the etiology of T-PLL is unknown, recent progress in unraveling the molecular basis of leukemogenesis has been substantial and may yield novel therapeutic targets. T-PLL is a distinct disease entity and the diagnosis can be readily made based on characteristic clinical features and laboratory findings. Prior to the appearance of pentostatin and alemtuzumab in clinical protocols, outcome for T-PLL patients was exceedingly poor with median survival measured in months. While the use of alemtuzumab in particular has improved remissions, the disease remains incurable. Future collaborative efforts investigating novel treatment approaches will be crucial to improving survival for patients with this disease.

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is generally considered to be incurable. It is the most common of the adult leukemias, and many patients are asymptomatic when diagnosed. Most patients survive for several years, and some never require treatment for their disease, leading to the belief that it is an indolent disease. However, this view is changing with the introduction of more effective therapies. Purine nucleoside analogs have become standard in the therapy of most patients. Monoclonal antibodies including alemtuzumab (Campath-IH; Berlex Laboratories, Richmond, CA) and rituximab are playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of patients with advanced disease. Clinical trials will be crucial in defining how and when to treat patients with CLL and will help establish the role of newer prognostic markers and more sensitive methodologies to detect minimal residual disease.

Abstract

Campath-1H is effective therapy for patients with relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), but it is associated with profound lymphopenia and deficiencies in cell-mediated immunity. We report the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia in 34 patients treated with Campath-1H for relapsed or refractory CLL and PLL. All patients received infection prophylaxis during therapy and continuing for at least 2 months following Campath-1H. Five patients (15%) developed CMV viremia at a median of 28 days (range, 20-30 days) after the first dose of Campath-1H. The median CMV viral load was 860/mL (range, 420-2100/mL), as determined by quantitative plasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All 5 patients had a temperature > 38.5 degrees C, normal chest radiographs, normal liver function tests, and negative bacterial blood cultures with no clinical evidence of CMV disease at the time of presentation with CMV viremia. The median absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was 740/ microL (range, 340-1600/ microL), and the median absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) was 16/microL (range, 11-169/ microL) for the 5 patients at the time of CMV viremia. All 5 patients received ganciclovir therapy followed by prompt fever resolution and clearance of CMV viremia by plasma PCR. By univariate regression analysis, the following were not risk factors for CMV viremia: age, number of prior regimens, prior rituximab therapy, prior splenectomy, modified Rai stage at Campath-1H therapy (low/intermediate vs. high), ANC, and ALC; although, there was a trend towards significance for prior rituximab therapy (P = 0.07). Cytomegalovirus viremia may be a significant infectious complication during Campath-1H therapy and should be investigated further in future studies.

Abstract

Blast crisis is the most advanced stage of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and is highly refractory to therapy. CML is caused by expression of the chimeric BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase oncogene, the product of the t(9;22) Philadelphia translocation. Imatinib (Glivec, formerly STI571) is a rationally developed, orally administered inhibitor of the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase. A total of 260 patients with CML were enrolled in a phase II trial, of whom 229 had a confirmed diagnosis of CML in blast crisis. Patients were treated with imatinib in daily oral doses of 400 mg or 600 mg. Imatinib induced hematologic responses in 52% of patients and sustained hematologic responses lasting at least 4 weeks in 31% of patients, including complete hematologic responses in 8%. For patients with a sustained response, the estimated median response duration was 10 months. Imatinib induced major cytogenetic responses in 16% of patients, with 7% of the responses being complete. Median survival time was 6.9 months. Nonhematologic adverse reactions were frequent but generally mild or moderate. Episodes of severe cytopenia were also frequent and were attributable to the underlying condition and treatment with imatinib. Drug-related adverse events led to discontinuation of therapy in 5% of patients, most often because of cytopenia, skin disorders, or gastrointestinal reactions. These results demonstrate that imatinib has substantial activity and a favorable safety profile when used as a single agent in patients with CML in blast crisis. Additional clinical studies are warranted to explore the efficacy and feasibility of imatinib used in combination with other antileukemic drugs.

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Campath-1H, an anti-CD52 humanized monoclonal antibody, in previously treated T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) patients in a compassionate-use program.Seventy-six patients with T-PLL (including four chemotherapy-naive patients) received 3, 10, and 30 mg of Campath-1H on sequential days, followed by 30 mg three times weekly, as 2-hour intravenous infusions, for 4 to 12 weeks.Median patient age was 60 years (range, 35 to 84). Spleen liver, lymph node, and skin involvement were present in 64%, 40%, 54%, and 18% of patients, respectively. All tested patients had CD2, CD7, CD4, and/or CD8 positivity, whereas CD5 and CD3 were positive in 98% and 96% of tested patients, respectively. The objective response rate was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40% to 63%), with a 39.5% complete response (CR) rate (95% CI, 28% to 51%). The median duration of CR was 8.7 months (range, 0.13+ to 44.4), and median time to progression was 4.5 months (range, 0.1 to 45.4) compared with 2.3 months (range, 0.2 to 28.1) after first-line chemotherapy. The median overall survival was 7.5 months (14.8 months for CR patients). The most common Campath-1H-related adverse events were acute reactions during or immediately after infusions. Fifteen infectious episodes occurred during treatment in 10 patients (13%), leading to treatment discontinuation in three. Eight patients experienced possibly related, late-onset infections. Severe thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia occurred in six patients (8%), leading to treatment discontinuation in four. Two treatment-related deaths occurred.Campath-1H is an active drug in T-PLL patients for whom first-line therapy has failed. It has a favorable risk/benefit ratio and should be prospectively investigated in chemotherapy-naive patients.

Abstract

To determine the safety and efficacy of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in patients with relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).Forty patients experiencing first (n = 21) or > or = second (n = 19) relapse were treated with daily infusions of ATO to a maximum of 60 doses or until all leukemic cells in bone marrow were eliminated. Patients who achieved a complete remission (CR) were offered one consolidation course of ATO that began 3 to 4 weeks later. Patients who remained in CR were eligible to receive further cycles of ATO therapy on a maintenance study.Thirty-four patients (85%) achieved a CR. Thirty-one patients (91%) with CRs had posttreatment cytogenetic tests negative for t(15;17). Eighty-six percent of the patients who were assessable by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction converted from positive to negative for the promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor-alpha transcript by the completion of their consolidation therapy. Thirty-two patients received consolidation therapy, and 18 received additional ATO as maintenance. Eleven patients underwent allogeneic (n = 8) or autologous (n = 3) transplant after ATO treatment. The 18-month overall and relapse-free survival (RFS) estimates were 66% and 56%, respectively. Twenty patients (50%) had leukocytosis (> 10,000 WBC/microL) during induction therapy. Ten patients developed signs or symptoms suggestive of the APL syndrome and were effectively treated with dexamethasone. Electrocardiographic QT prolongation was common (63%). One patient had an absolute QT interval of > 500 msec and had an asymptomatic 7-beat run of torsades de pointe. Two patients died during induction, neither from drug-related causes.This study establishes ATO as a highly effective therapy for patients with relapsed APL.

Abstract

At sites of vascular injury, thrombin interacts with multiple procoagulant substrates, to mediate both fibrin clotting and platelet aggregation. But upon binding to thrombomodulin on the vascular endothelium, thrombin instead activates protein C, thereby functioning as an anticoagulant and attenuating clot formation. Upon infusion in vivo, both the procoagulant and anticoagulant effects of thrombin were observed. Preliminary studies indicating that thrombin's protein C activating and fibrinogen clotting activities could be dissociated by mutagenesis suggested to us that a thrombin variant that lacked procoagulant activity while retaining anticoagulant function might be an attractive antithrombotic agent. Using protein engineering, we introduced a single substitution, E229A, that substantially shifted thrombin's specificity in favour of the anticoagulant substrate, protein C. In monkeys, this modified thrombin functioned as an endogenous protein C activator demonstrating dose-dependent, reversible anticoagulation without any indication of procoagulant activity. Notably, template bleeding times were not prolonged, suggesting a reduced potential for bleeding complications.